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

Detian waterfall · Asia’s largest transnational waterfall 📍 Shuolong Town, Daxin County, Chongzuo City, Guangxi, connected with Ban Gioc waterfall in Vietnam. The average annual water flow is about three times that of Huangguoshu waterfall. The peak water season from June to November is the most spectacular. 🎫 practical information Item details Ticket + shuttle bus 115 CNY/person (same price on online platforms) Opening hours 7:30 AM–6:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) Recommended duration 2–3 hours 🚗 transportation · Self-drive: Navigate to “Detian waterfall visitor center.” Parking fee is 10 CNY/day. Suitable for family trips · High-speed train + direct shuttle: Arrive at Chongzuo South Station. A direct shuttle to the scenic area is available (about 1.5 hours) · Group day tour: Depart from Nanning/Chongzuo to avoid transfer hassles 🌊 highlights route (easy version) From the visitor center, take the shuttle bus (about 15 minutes) → ride a bamboo raft (30–48 CNY/person, sit on the left side closest to the waterfall, with mist spraying) → disembark and walk the trail (view full panorama from viewing platforms 1 and 2) → stop at Rice Field Coffee House (rest and take photos with the waterfall) → visit the 836 boundary marker (stand with one foot in each country) → at the exit, pay 10 CNY for an electric cart back Key point: Take the bamboo raft first, then walk the trail. It’s a smooth route and not tiring. Do not climb the trail first and then return by boat, as it wastes energy. 📸 optional upgrades · Climb high to view the waterfall: magic carpet + slide combo ticket 68 CNY, offers a bird’s-eye view of both countries · China-Vietnam border street: With a passport, take a day trip to Ban Gioc waterfall in Vietnam (must register 1 day in advance) 🍜 what to eat · Inside the scenic area: Vietnamese chicken pho, baguette sandwiches, about 30 CNY per person · Shuolong Town: Vietnamese-style farmhouses, 40–60 CNY per person. Recommended dishes include fried spring rolls and sugarcane shrimp ⚠️ tips to avoid trouble 1. The bamboo raft splashes water, so be sure to put your phone and camera in waterproof bags 2. Wear non-slip sports shoes. The trail is wet year-round, and sandals are easy to slip in 3. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are essential. The dense vegetation attracts many insects 4. During the dry season (December–May), it’s best to visit between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM when the upstream dam releases water 5. Do not take “private cars” from roadside touts to enter the park. Only official shuttle buses are allowed 6. Using binoculars to take photos toward Vietnam may attract warnings from Vietnamese guards. Do not take photos indiscriminately 🏨 accommodation suggestions · Shuolong Town: budget guesthouses 150–300 CNY/night (close to the scenic area) · Mingshi Tianyuan: upscale guesthouses 300–800 CNY (great scenery) · Daxin County town: 200–400 CNY, many options, about 30 minutes by car from the scenic area 🏞️ recommended combined trips Detian + Mingshi Tianyuan (38 km away, take a bamboo raft to see karst farmland scenery) or + Tongna Yuwan (28 km away, fairyland-like mountains and waters), forming a 2–3 day Chongzuo tour. In short: Asia’s largest transnational waterfall. Take a bamboo raft right under the waterfall to feel the mist spray, stand with one foot in each country, and combine with Mingshi Tianyuan for a 2-day trip to make this journey worthwhile.

When visiting Haeundae in Busan, if you only plan for the beach, the traditional market, and the capsule train, you'll really miss out on a very charming alley—Haeridan-gil. Just a 3-minute walk from Exit 4 of Haeundae Station, you'll find DUPLIT (듀플릿), boasting an exotic, resort-like exterior. Wooden architecture, warm lighting, vintage furniture, lush greenery, and outdoor seating all blend together. Even though you're in bustling Haeundae, walking in here gives you a relaxing sensation of instantly escaping the city. 🌿 DUPLIT isn't just an Instagrammable cafe with pretty spatial design; there's a very heartwarming story hidden behind its brand name. According to their official introduction, DUPLIT's concept is inspired by a balloon arch: individual balloons come together to form a complete and powerful shape, symbolizing people coexisting and being considerate of each other. This philosophy extends to the cafe's space. Whether you sit at the indoor wooden tables, the bar, or the outdoor courtyard, you can feel a comfortable atmosphere perfect for chatting, zoning out, and sharing food. DUPLIT Official Brand Story As the brand evolved, DUPLIT became more than just a cafe. Currently, on their official website, besides coffee and desserts, you can find merchandise like keychains, cooler bags, T-shirts, and mugs. They have also expanded their expertise into spatial design, menu planning, brand identity, and F&B consulting services. Evolving from a unique cafe on Haeridan-gil into a local Busan brand integrating F&B, design, and lifestyle, it's no wonder everything from the tableware and packaging to the furniture arrangement feels so incredibly cohesive. The dessert display is where you'll most easily lose your self-control at DUPLIT! It's recommended to check out the seasonal fruit series first. Among them, the Fruit Sandwich (후르츠산도), priced around ₩8,500, features soft toast filled with dairy cream and seasonal fruits. Your first bite yields fluffy, light bread, followed by the smooth cream and the sweet-and-sour taste of the fresh fruit. It's even more refreshing when eaten chilled, making it especially perfect for those who dislike heavy cream cakes. Another highly eye-catching item is the Towel Cake, a mille-crepe cake shaped like a rolled-up towel. The Strawberry Towel Cake and Matcha Towel Cake are priced around ₩9,500. Thin crepe layers wrap around fresh cream and fillings, revealing beautiful layers when cut. The strawberry flavor is fresh and delightfully tart, while the matcha offers a deeper, soothing tea aroma. Pairing them with an Americano makes them even more enjoyable than eating them alone. However, the fruits and towel cakes may change with the seasons, so the actual selection depends on the onsite dessert display. If you want to buy some to enjoy slowly back at your hotel, you can opt for the 6-piece DUPLIT Bread gift box, priced around ₩21,000. Recently released menus also feature Mango Cake for about ₩9,000, Matcha Basque Cheesecake for about ₩9,000, and Chestnut Tiramisu for about ₩9,000. Recent Dessert Menu and Prices As for drinks, an Americano is around ₩4,500, a Latte around ₩5,500, alongside Black Vanilla Lattes, sparkling drinks, and cocktails. The dessert prices aren't particularly cheap, but the portion sizes, ingredients, and photogenic qualities are definitely up to standard. Sharing a cake between two people and ordering a drink each is just the right combo. DUPLIT's current reference business hours are 09:00 to 22:00 daily. Opening early in the morning makes it extremely friendly for tourists staying in Haeundae. If you want to avoid the afternoon and holiday crowds, you can plan to visit right after it opens—grab a fruit sandwich and a cup of coffee before starting your day's itinerary. Although the store has both indoor and outdoor seating, it might still get full during peak hours. Since the alleys of Haeridan-gil are quite narrow, driving and parking can be a hassle, so taking the subway is highly recommended as the easiest option. Recent Address and Business Hours For your itinerary, you can plan: "DUPLIT brunch → Haeridan-gil stroll → Buy butter pies at Keveren House → Haeundae Traditional Market → Haeundae Beach," and then head to Mipo in the evening to take the Haeundae Blue Line Park Beach Train. For convenient transportation, consider the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae near Haeundae Station; if you prefer being close to the beach and shopping district, the Best Western Haeundae Hotel or Paradise Hotel Busan are great choices. Reasons to Recommend DUPLIT: ① About a 3-minute walk from Haeundae Station, highly convenient transportation ② Opens daily at 9 AM, perfect for breakfast and brunch itineraries ③ Distinct exotic resort style, offering beautiful photo spots both indoors and outdoors ④ Rich selection of fruit sandwiches, towel cakes, and seasonal desserts ⑤ The brand has evolved from a cafe to encompass design and lifestyle, with a very unique story ⑥ Can be easily linked with Keveren House, Haeridan-gil, and Haeundae Beach The most charming part of DUPLIT is that it doesn't make you want to leave right after snapping photos. Sitting in the outdoor seating area, watching the sunlight filter through the leaves with a fruit sandwich and coffee on the table, the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxing despite the occasional chatter around you. It possesses both the trendy vibe of Busan's new-generation cafes and the unique, lived-in feel of a traditional residential neighborhood. Next time you visit Haeundae, why not make DUPLIT your first stop of the morning? Taking your time to finish a dessert before heading to the sea will make your travel mood exceptionally light and breezy all day long. 👏🏻 📍 Location: DUPLIT / 듀플릿 Haeundae Haeridan-gil Branch 📍 Store Address: 1F, 27-13, Udong 1-ro 20beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 우동1로20번길 27-13, 1층) 🚇 Transportation: Haeundae Station, Busan Metro Line 2, Exit 4, about a 3-minute walk ⏰ Business Hours: 09:00–22:00 daily; temporary changes are subject to official IG announcements 💰 Fruit Sandwich: Reference price ₩8,500 💰 Towel Cake: Reference price ₩9,500 💰 DUPLIT Bread 6-piece: Reference price ₩21,000

📣📣📣Family! Anyone understand this!! Just got back from Czech, and honestly, it’s hard to put into words😭! Before going, I was completely fooled by all kinds of influencer filters, but once I arrived, I realized some attractions are total photo traps📸! To help you avoid the mistakes I made, I stayed up late to put together this 4-day, 3-night reverse travel guide📝! It’s packed with useful info, so I recommend saving it⭐! 🏰【Day 1: Prague Old Town — a day when the filters shattered】 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️ ✨✨✨Prague Old Town Square: The “wishing well” in Jolin Tsai’s song doesn’t actually exist!!🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️ The square is just full of pigeon droppings and crowds🕊️! But even though the filters tricked me, the Gothic architecture here is still impressive🏰! ⏰⏰⏰Astronomical clock: Don’t squeeze to the front for the hourly chime! It’s so crowded you can’t see anything👀! Plus, the show only lasts 1 minute⏱️, so just get there 5 minutes early to claim a spot! 📸📸📸Photo spot tip: Don’t just stand dumbly in the square! Head to the rooftop terrace restaurant Terasa U Prince🍽️ across the street! Order a drink, sit in a corner seat, and enjoy the full view of the Old Town. This is the real Prague square🌆! 🌉【Day 2: Castle District and Charles Bridge — a test of stamina and aesthetics】 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️ 🏰🏰🏰Prague Castle: Check the weather forecast before you go!!☀️ Sunny days with red roofs and yellow walls are stunning, but on cloudy days it’s just gray and gloomy, making you question your life’s white balance🌧️! Also, St. Vitus Cathedral is still under renovation🚧, and the scaffolding really ruins the view📉! 🌉🌉🌉Charles Bridge: Trust me! Get up early to watch the sunrise🌅! During the day, the bridge is packed with people, but only the early morning silhouette matches the word “chilly”🥶! 🏰🏰🏰Golden Lane: Kafka’s house is super tiny🤏, you can see it in a few minutes! If you don’t want to waste money, just buy the B ticket (includes the cathedral, old royal palace, and Golden Lane). No need to get the most expensive full ticket💸! 🏘️【Day 3: CK Town (Český Krumlov) — fairy tale or reality?】 🚌🚌🚌 🚫🚫🚫Travel tip: Don’t take the train to CK Town!!🚆 The train takes a long time, tickets are expensive, and there are no announcements🔇. Stops are very short, so if you doze off, you’ll miss your stop😱! ✅✅✅Right way: Strongly recommend taking the Student Agency bus🚌! It’s comfortable and cheap, with free hot drinks on board☕. The trip takes about 3 hours direct! Or if your budget allows, rent a car🚗. It’s 2–2.5 hours one way and you can stop by Hluboká Castle🏰 on the way! 🏰🏰🏰Experience: CK Town is indeed beautiful, but you must stay overnight in town🏨! After the large day-trip crowds leave at dusk, you’ll feel the true peace and fairy tale atmosphere🌙! Early morning and night are completely different worlds🌍! 🍖【Day 4: food and hot springs — healing your heart through taste】 🍺🍺🍺 🍖🍖🍖The Pork’s restaurant: The influencer-famous place is really tasty, but don’t order the pork knuckle sandwich!!🥪 It’s not worth it, with half the meat📉! Just order the roasted pork knuckle🍗 — it’s mouthwatering but huge, two girls can’t even finish it!⚠️ Note: Opens at 12 PM, but lines start at 12:30, so call ahead on Google Maps to reserve📞! ♨️♨️♨️Karlovy Vary hot spring town: If you have time, go here to relax🍵! Buy a pretty hot spring cup, sip the spring water while walking (the taste is unique and hard to describe😂), try the hot spring pancakes🥞, and soak in the imperial hotel’s luxurious vibe. You can have fun without spending much🥰! 💣💣💣【High alert: anti-scam and pitfall avoidance guide】 💰💰💰Currency trap: Czech uses Czech koruna (CZK)! Although many places accept euros, the exchange rate is terrible📉! Don’t withdraw cash from the EuroNet ATMs you see everywhere!! The fees and exchange rate can cost you 20% more💸! If you need cash urgently, exchange at a bank💱! 🚽🚽🚽Toilet trap: Public toilets charge a fee! Usually 20 koruna (about 1 euro)💶, and most only accept cash! Always carry small coins with you!!🪙 🐶🐶🐶Street hazard: Many people in Prague have dogs, so dog poop is common on the streets💩! Watch your step carefully so you don’t step in it like I did. There’s nowhere to clean your shoes, and I smelled awful all the way home🤮! 🗣️🗣️🗣️Language barrier: Although English is widely spoken, locals have strong accents👂! If your English isn’t great, find a travel buddy who speaks good English, or you’ll be guessing when ordering food or taking taxis🤷‍♀️! 📝📝📝【Real experience summary】 Honestly, Czech does have its unique medieval romance🏰, but the influencer filters are way overdone🙅‍♀️! If you expect a “perfect fairy tale,” you’ll probably be speechless for 5 days like me😅. But if you can accept the rainy days, attractions under renovation, and crowds, and take time to enjoy the breeze on Charles Bridge in the early morning🌬️ and a local beer in CK Town late at night🍺, you’ll find that Czech without filters is still a city worth savoring slowly🥂. Remember, travel isn’t about verifying photos on social media, but about experiencing the real moment🌍!

(Reverse clickbait) Nha Trang has truly won me over! It's Vietnam's ultimate value-for-money destination ✨ It boasts super low prices, a super slow pace, jelly-like seas, healing mud baths, and tons of delicious food. No long-distance travel is needed, making it perfect for students and friends on a short getaway. It's a hidden gem of an island that won't disappoint! 🌟 Why you must visit Nha Trang Compared to Phuket and Sanya, Nha Trang is truly budget-friendly! You can have a great time for just a thousand yuan per person, enjoying snorkeling in the stunning sea, relaxing in unique mud baths, and exploring retro French architecture plus a seaside night market. It's therapeutic, great for photos, and the top choice for a stress-free vacation for those who love to relax! ⏰ Best time to visit November–April! The dry season has plenty of sunny days, clear blue waters, almost no rain, and comfortable temperatures perfect for water activities and photos. May–October is the rainy season with frequent showers, which can affect sea excursions, so it's not recommended. 📸 Must-visit hidden gems ✅ I-Resort Mud Bath: Nha Trang's iconic experience! Soak in warm mineral mud, and your skin will feel smooth and tender afterward. It's relaxing and therapeutic, creates a great atmosphere for photos, and is a must-visit you won't regret ✅ VinWonders Nha Trang: Southeast Asia's hidden gem Disney! The super long cross-sea cable car is breathtaking. Water park, Ferris wheel, and beach park are all unlocked in one stop, providing a full day of fun for adults and kids alike ✅ Po Nagar Cham Towers: A thousand-year-old retro historical site, full of exotic charm. The architecture is exquisite and unique, and casual photos turn into atmospheric blockbusters ✅ Hon Chong Promontory: Filming location for "The Lover"! The reefs and waves are incredibly romantic, and the sunset views are stunning, gentle, and therapeutic ✅ Nha Trang Beach & Night Market: Stroll along the beach during the day, and explore the night market for seafood in the evening, experiencing the local vibe 📅 3-day relaxed itinerary Day 1: Explore the city slowly | Experience exotic local life Arrive and check in in the afternoon, visit Nha Trang Cathedral and Po Nagar Cham Towers, and explore retro and unique architecture. In the evening, head to Hon Chong Promontory for a stunning seaside sunset. Then, explore Nha Trang Night Market and enjoy affordable seafood snacks, for a pleasant and relaxing time. Day 2: VinWonders Nha Trang carnival | A full day of fun Spend the entire day at VinWonders Nha Trang! Take the cross-sea cable car to the island, unlock water activities, amusement park rides, and beach photo ops. In the evening, ride the Ferris wheel for a panoramic view of the entire sea. The night view is stunning, guaranteeing a full day of happiness. Day 3: Healing experience | A perfect end to the trip In the morning, visit the popular mud bath for a relaxing hot spring experience. In the afternoon, you can choose a shallow sea excursion to four islands for snorkeling, seeing colorful corals and schools of fish. In the evening, enjoy the sea breeze and Vietnamese drip coffee, then slowly head back. 🍤 Must-try authentic Nha Trang food ✔️ Vietnamese drip coffee: Rich and mellow with a sweet aftertaste, perfect for sipping by the sea ✔️ Tile-grilled BBQ: A local favorite! Charcoal-grilled, the meat is fresh, fragrant, and flavorful ✔️ Fresh seafood: Lobster, clams, and scallops are affordable and fresh, allowing for seafood freedom ✔️ Vietnamese pho: Rich broth and chewy rice noodles, one bite unlocks authentic Vietnamese flavor ✔️ Banh mi: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, affordable and delicious, a street food gem The overall pace is super comfortable, no rushing, and great value for money. Newcomers can go for it without hesitation!

Who gets it! Before leaving, I saw a bunch of posts discouraging the trip and almost changed my flight✈️ but on the first day after landing, I was completely proven wrong—this is nowhere near the "Vietnam version of the Maldives," it’s clearly a happy hometown! · -- ✨Trip highlights (recommended version) 🌅Sunset town: orange-yellow houses with green shutters. On a clear day, it feels like a dream back to southern France. Arrive at the kissing bridge by 5:30 PM, the sunset perfectly aligns in the middle of the bridge. There’s a fireworks show every night at 9:30 PM—best free viewing spot is by the floor-to-ceiling window to the right of the Hilton La Festa lobby, capturing the whole kissing bridge. 🚠Phu Quoc cable car: the longest in the world, nearly 8 km, 20 minutes one way. Below is the blue sea and green islands, and the cabin is full of “wow” sounds. Cable car runs 9:00–11:30 AM and 1:30–5:00 PM, closed at noon so don’t go empty-handed. Round trip costs about 850,000 VND, including the water park. 🏝️Southern island hopping: the An Thoi archipelago has the best water quality. May Rut Island has clear water and white sand, perfect for photos. Gam Ghi Island has coral visible just below the surface. Snorkeling to see tropical fish is super relaxing. 🎢Northern island park: Pearl Park + wildlife zoo + Phu Quoc World are all in the same area. On the safari, you can see giraffes passing right by the car. Phu Quoc World is free to explore and has great night views. · -- 🗓️Itinerary (5 days 4 nights, easy pace) · Day 1: arrive and check in → watch sunset on hotel beach → seafood at Duong Dong night market · Day 2: southern island → morning island hopping and snorkeling at An Thoi port → afternoon cable car + Phu Quoc water park · Day 3: northern island → pearl wildlife zoo → pearl park → evening at Phu Quoc World for night views · Day 4: sunset town → photo at kissing bridge → dinner by the sea with fireworks show · Day 5: relax at hotel → buy souvenirs → return trip · -- 🍜Food recommendations Vietnamese pho is light and tasty. At Duong Dong night market, grilled shrimp, squid, and crab cost just a few dozen thousand VND per person for all-you-can-eat. Street baguette sandwiches and coconut jelly are easy buys and never disappoint. Try the Vietnamese pancakes and rice noodles at Meo Kitchen. · -- 📌Travel tips · Visa: direct flights to Phu Quoc are visa-free for 30 days. Transfers through other Vietnamese cities require a visa in advance · Transportation: rent a motorbike for about 100,000–150,000 VND/day or use Grab rides · Best season: dry season from November to April, with calm seas ideal for boat trips · Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent—tropical UV rays are no joke · Exchange money at gold shops in Duong Dong town; airport rates are usually worse · -- Who says Phu Quoc Island is only for lounging at the hotel? Cable cars, island hopping, fireworks, and parks—four days is not enough😭 Already looking at flights for next year, it’s truly irresistible!

If you're planning a trip to Busan this year, then this post is exactly what you need. Since Busan has gotten incredibly popular over the past few years, a lot of people search online before their trip: "What are the absolute must-eats in Busan?" But the problem is, there are just way too many Busan food lists on the internet. Some are traditional old-school spots, some are newly hyped places with crazy lines, and some just have gorgeous ocean views perfect for photos, but the food might not blow everyone away. It just so happens that over the past few months, we've visited Busan a few times and hit up several highly-talked-about spots to actually try them out for ourselves. So in today's post, I want to give you an honest rundown, rounding up 10 highly discussed Busan food spots in 2026. You can use this as a reference to see if you want to add them to your itinerary! . ✅ 1 | Haeundae 31cm Seafood Kalguksu 해운대31cm해물칼국수 This is probably a place you'll constantly see on recent Busan food lists. It originally started in Haeundae, and now there are several branches just in Busan alone. Its biggest selling point is the massive bowl with a 31-centimeter diameter. It's fully loaded with clams, scallops, and other seafood. The moment it’s served, it’s genuinely jaw-dropping. As for whether it’s actually good or not, I think it really depends on your personal taste. Because Korean kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), generally has a very simple seasoning profile. It's basically just noodles, broth, and the natural umami from the seafood. If you prefer heavy, bold flavors, you might just think it's a regular seafood noodle soup with a lot of shells, but if you naturally lean towards lighter tasting food, then the freshness and the depth of the broth will likely impress you. If you're a fan of seafood broths, and happen to be visiting Haeundae, Songjeong, or Gwangalli, I think it's worth squeezing into your schedule. But if you aren't really into knife-cut noodles, or if you're expecting something thick and richly flavored, then I don't think you need to go out of your way for it. . ✅ 2 | Tonshou This is an incredibly famous Japanese tonkatsu joint in Busan. Even though it's not Korean cuisine, if you've been looking up Busan food, you've probably stumbled upon it quite a bit. Now, it's not just in Gwangalli; you can also get it in Nampodong. The most unique thing about Tonshou is that their pork cutlets are deep-fried first, and then finished over a charcoal fire. So when you eat it, besides the crispy goodness of traditional Japanese tonkatsu, it also carries a subtle smoky charcoal flavor, and Tonshou has a very special menu item— the Berkshire K Hire-katsu (버크셔K히레카츠). The outer breading is completely black, and when cut open, the pork inside still has a tender pink hue, which is really quite unique. Tonshou tastes amazing, but its biggest drawback is the line is insanely long! You'll definitely have to wait during peak hours. I highly recommend joining the virtual waitlist via CatchTable first, and just walking over when your turn is coming up. Although it's not traditional Korean food, I still highly recommend giving it a try. . ✅ 3 | Nasari Sikdang Gwangalli Branch 나사리식당 광안점 Over the past year or two, this place has also popped up a lot on Busan travel itineraries. Especially when you search for Gwangalli food, it's super easy to come across it. Its biggest selling point is its unbeatable ocean view. You can chow down on seafood kalguksu while taking in the stunning Gwangandaegyo Bridge, but I have to be completely honest here— this place leans more toward being a "view restaurant." While the view out the window is genuinely spectacular, if we're judging purely on taste, it might not make you think, "This is an absolute must-eat in Busan." So this place is better suited for: people who just want a meal with a gorgeous view. If you're hunting for very local, deeply traditional Busan flavors, then this shouldn't be your top priority. . ✅ 4 | 83 Haechi 83해치 I probably don't even need to introduce this one! It’s been absolutely blowing up on the internet this past year, and especially for a lot of Taiwanese tourists hitting Busan, it’s always on the itinerary. It now has several branches across Busan, so you can grab a bite in areas like Seomyeon, Gwangalli, and Dongnae. Even though online reviews are a bit polarizing, we personally thought it was pretty good after trying it. The dining environment is quite modern, the staff helps grill the meat for you, and the meat quality is actually excellent. As for the price, considering the vibe, the service, and the fact that they grill the meat for you, I'd say it's highly acceptable. But its biggest downside right now is it's ridiculously hard to get a table. At some branches, the dinner wait times can be agonizingly long. I suggest grabbing a spot via CatchTable first, instead of foolishly walking in and waiting blindly. . ✅ 5 | Lee Jae Mo Pizza 이재모피자 When you come to Busan, you simply can't ignore Lee Jae Mo Pizza. What it's most famous for is the incredibly generous, super-stretchy cheese on its pizzas. If you're a hardcore cheese lover, this place is highly recommended! But if you're like us, and prefer tasting the natural flavors of the ingredients themselves, then it might not exactly be your cup of tea. Because its main draw truly is just that there’s a ton of rich cheese. However, since they've opened more branches now, you rarely need to wait in line anymore. So if you're visiting Busan, I still think it's worth trying at least once. If it's too crowded inside, you can always just grab a box to-go and eat it at your hotel. After all, it's a legendary old-school spot in Busan. Telling people you've been to Busan but never had Lee Jae Mo Pizza, just feels a little bit weird. . ✅ 6 | Mipojip 미포집 This past year, anyone who rode the Sky Capsule has probably heard of this place. Because its main Haeundae branch is right in the Mipo area, not far at all from the Sky Capsule boarding station. It started out in Haeundae, and now has branches not only in Busan, but also in Seoul and Jeju. Its most famous dish is the marinated raw seafood platter (미녀해물장정식). A variety of seafood is marinated in soy sauce, and served alongside pot rice, seaweed soup, and side dishes. Not only does it taste great, but it also looks stunning in photos. If you haven't tried Korean soy-marinated crab before but are curious to give it a go, we highly recommend this spot. Because the ingredients are incredibly diverse, and they give you a very generous portion of seafood, but if you inherently aren't a fan of raw marinated seafood, soy-marinated crab, or the flavor of soy-sauce marinades, then you can totally skip this one. While they do have other pot rice options, the most iconic item remains the raw marinated seafood platter. . ✅ 7 | Working Holiday 워킹홀리데이 This is another place in Busan that's been gaining insane popularity lately. And it's a bit different. It doesn't serve traditional Korean food; instead, it's a Western-style brunch, coffee, and dessert kind of cafe. So why did it blow up? Naturally, it's the invincible ocean view. Nowadays, if you just search keywords like "ocean view cafe," you're almost guaranteed to stumble across Working Holiday. Currently, they have branches in Gwangalli, Millak, and Haeundae in Busan, and every single one goes all-in on the ocean view vibe. Especially on a nice sunny day, sitting by the window, gazing at the sea while enjoying brunch, will instantly flood your brain with dopamine. Even though it got famous primarily because of its killer ocean views, the actual quality of the food is pretty solid too. Items like their Eggs Benedict, pancakes, and sandwiches all have great reviews. So if you're looking for a place where you can watch the ocean, take photos, and just sit down to enjoy a chill meal, Working Holiday is definitely a great choice. . ✅ 8 | Yeongdo Haenyeo Village 영도해녀촌 This is also an extremely popular tourist spot in Yeongdo. You can probably guess just by looking at the name, it's not your standard restaurant. On the second floor of Yeongdo Haenyeo Village, there are exhibits showcasing Korea's Haenyeo (female diver) culture. The first floor is where the seafood is sold. The main highlight here is that the Haenyeo aunties serve the seafood they've freshly harvested that exact day. So it goes without saying, everything is incredibly fresh. The most iconic items here are the sea urchin and the seafood ramen. You can sit right by the sea, or even right next to the rocky shore, gazing at the ocean while devouring delicious seafood. It's a truly relaxing vibe. But I also have to be completely real with you— while the scenery is amazing, and the seafood is undeniably fresh, it feels more like a seafood spot attached to a cultural exhibit. And taking the prices into account, I wouldn't call it a bargain. The transportation here also isn't nearly as convenient as Haeundae or Gwangalli. So honestly, this spot isn't something I'd personally put on a "must-visit" list. However, it remains highly popular among the Korean locals, and it definitely gives off a unique Yeongdo vibe. If you were already planning to visit Yeongdo, Huinnyeoul Culture Village, or the Taejongdae area, and just happen to be craving some seafood, you could definitely swing by. . ✅ 9 | Subyeon Choego Dwaeji Gukbap 수변최고돼지국밥 You're in Busan! How could you possibly skip pork soup and rice (dwaeji gukbap)? And over the past few years, there’s been one dwaeji gukbap spot that’s become incredibly famous among both locals and tourists alike. And that's Subyeon Choego Dwaeji Gukbap. Their most famous dish is the pork neck soup and rice (항정국밥). I personally think this place is an incredibly beginner-friendly spot. Because for folks who've never had pork soup before, their first time trying it can easily be ruined by that strong, gamey pork smell. But at Subyeon Choego, I find that gamey smell to be significantly milder than several other famous spots I've tried. So if you want to try Korean dwaeji gukbap, but are terrified you’ll be put off by the funky pork odor, Subyeon Choego is a relatively safe bet for beginners. Plus, they have quite a few branches, and some of them are even open 24 hours, which is wildly convenient for independent travelers. After hanging out around Gwangalli or Haeundae at night, if you want a late-night snack, or if you need a hot bowl of soup the next morning to wake yourself up, it completely hits the spot. I'm not going to claim it's the absolute best, god-tier pork soup in Busan, because everyone has different tastes. But if you're looking for a solid, safe-bet dwaeji gukbap spot, you should give Subyeon Choego a try. . The 9 spots listed above are the most highly discussed Busan restaurants on the internet in 2026. You can probably tell by now, even though these places are massively hyped online, it doesn't mean that I'd blindly recommend every single one of them. But at the end of the day, taste is highly subjective. Just because I didn't love it, doesn't necessarily mean you won't. Who knows, after you go, you might end up falling in love with it! So for anyone heading to Busan soon, definitely save this post first, and then plan around your own itinerary, palate, and how convenient the transportation is. You might just unexpectedly expand your personal list of Busan favorites!

When it comes to day trips in New Taipei City, Yingge is undeniably the art town that has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years! With the opening of the MRT line, getting to Yingge Old Street has become super convenient. The moment you step out of the station, you can deeply feel the rich artistic vibe. This place isn't just about impressive ceramics; it also hides plenty of crystal art, high-quality creative boutique shops, and highly popular specialty restaurants. This time, we've put together the ultimate highlight itinerary for you. Follow this hipster guide to set off and bring back your exclusive memories of the pottery capital! 🗺️ Yingge Aesthetic Day Trip・Highlight Route 1️⃣ Stop 1: Yingge Old Street Pottery Mall, Therapeutic Hand-built Pottery Experience 🧑🏻🎨 Address: No. 95, 99, 101, Chongqing St., Yingge Dist., New Taipei City Hours: 11:00-20:00 Right after exiting the MRT station, take a slow stroll to the Yingge Old Street Pottery Mall, full of retro red-brick charm (refer to the nostalgic red-brick building in the bottom right of ⁠image.png⁠). This place gathers the latest design works from local ceramic artists, and you can even try your hand at making pottery on-site. When your fingertips touch the smooth clay, it truly brings a deeply relaxing and therapeutic feeling! The prices of the ceramic goods here are also very reasonable, making them perfect for home decor or gifts. 2️⃣ Stop 2: Trendy Check-in Spot! Taipei Square Art Center 💎 Address: 3F, No. 18, Taoci St., Yingge Dist., New Taipei City Hours: 10:00-19:00 Just a few minutes' walk away is the Taipei Square Art Center. The gallery features an open-space design, creating a fantastic vibe for photos. The exhibition area displays not only exquisitely designed in-house pottery and contemporary paintings but also absolutely beautiful crystal artworks. On weekends, they sometimes host cultural and creative art markets—a definite must-visit for hipsters! 💡 Quick Tip: Remember to bring some cash when picking out your favorite trinkets or artworks, as some small creative shops might not support electronic payments! 3️⃣ Stop 3: Stroll Through the Old Ceramics Street, Hunt for Unique Treasures 🏺 Main Area: Yingge Old Street (Yuying St.) and Ceramics Old Street (Jianshanpu Rd.) Hours: 10:00-20:00 Coming to Yingge without walking the old street means you haven't really been here! The entire Ceramics Old Street (like the classic landmarks in the bottom left and top left of ⁠image.png⁠) is filled with a strong artistic atmosphere. Along the way, besides various handmade potteries, there are many unique retro toy stores, model shops, Xu Zeng-De's stone tea tray shop, and wooden furniture stores (like the textured woodwork space in the bottom right). You can take the chance to "snag" a few unique ceramic bowls or cups to take home, enjoying the fun of choosing from vessels of different styles. 4️⃣ Stop 4: A Feast for Lunch, Fugui Taoyuan Art Restaurant ☕ Address: No. 98, Chongqing St., Yingge Dist., New Taipei City When you get tired of walking, we recommend taking a midday break at the nearby Fugui Taoyuan Art Restaurant (a dining space blending Eastern Zen with modern vibes). The restaurant's interior is full of retro and cultural artistry. When you come here, you must try their popular signatures: Shank (beef shank/beef tendon dish), Fugui floral plum tea, and the club sandwich. Elegantly dining while admiring the ceramic art displayed in the shop really creates a beautifully immersive atmosphere. It's incredibly chill! 5️⃣ Stop 5: In-Depth Cultural Tour, New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum 🏛️ After a satisfying meal, head to the unmissable ultimate highlight—the Ceramics Museum. The museum systematically showcases the historical context and unique craftsmanship of Taiwanese ceramics, and the interactive exhibition areas are highly educational, making it perfect for family outings or dates. Even if you're not usually a ceramics fan, you'll be deeply captivated by the ever-changing ceramic art here and can't help but stop to admire it. 6️⃣ Stop 6: Perfect Ending, Must-Eat Local Yingge Wengzi Noodles 🍜 Before wrapping up your evening itinerary, you absolutely have to recharge with some local food! Order a highly popular bowl of Yingge Wengzi Noodles. The broth is rich and mellow, and the noodles are perfectly chewy, tasting exceptionally special when served in a traditional clay pot. The best part is that the price is very affordable—a perfect companion to warm your stomach and recharge after a long day out. 🌟 Yingge Slow Living Tips Super Convenient Transit: Direct MRT access lets you seamlessly experience the charm of the pottery town right out of the station. It gets crowded on weekends, so we highly recommend heading out early to take photos at your leisure. Easy to Buy, Hard to Carry: Handmade pottery and most items in the old street shops are quite inexpensive, so it's easy to accidentally buy a lot of favorites. Remember to leave some extra space in your backpack or tote bag, so you can buy more beautiful souvenirs without worrying about not being able to carry them😏! This route perfectly balances aesthetic photo ops, art appreciation, and local food, making it ideal for families, hipsters, or traveling with besties. Why not set aside most of your day this weekend to savor the unique charm of this pottery capital and take home your own warm memories!

I remember when I first arrived here, it was for the food. After tasting it, I found it truly lived up to its reputation. But what really surprised me the most was the local culture. Walking around the old town, you can feel the unique ancestral temple culture everywhere. The two banks of Shaxi River hold so many stories. That day, I walked onto the big bridge and stood there, gazing at those cultural landmarks: Bozhi Pavilion, Sansheng Temple, Kuixing Pavilion, Suspension Bridge, and the Relic Pagoda. Under the bridge, I met many students from Sanxiao School chatting and laughing, eating snacks and sitting in the shade to cool off. The memories felt so vivid, as if I had returned to my school days. Later, I went to Shuimei Village. After climbing a slope, I saw a vintage green train. Shuimei has a cluster of earth buildings, which were probably defensive structures in the past. Even on a 30-degree day, it’s cool inside and can accommodate many people. In the past, an entire family would live together here. The earth buildings have a very distinctive appearance, and from the wooden carvings, you can still glimpse the prosperity of that time. This is Shaxian, with the Shaxi River running through the city, famous far and wide for its snacks, with a culture I love. Are there any friends from here? .

This is a 2-day 1-night travel guide for Sanming City, with a budget of around 1000 RMB, suitable for travelers who enjoy natural scenery and cultural experiences. Sanming Travel Guide (2 Days 1 Night) 1. City Introduction Sanming is located in central Fujian Province and is a city known for its rich natural resources and profound cultural heritage. It features magnificent landscapes, ancient temples, and unique revolutionary cultural sites. Sanming is not only an important ecological barrier in Fujian but also an excellent place to explore nature and history. 2. Itinerary Day 1: Natural Scenery and Cultural Exploration Morning: Taining Global Geopark (about 3 hours) Transportation: Depart from Sanming city center by bus or chartered car to Taining (about 1 hour, fare around 20 RMB) Entrance Fee: About 100 RMB (off-season discount) Highlights: Unique karst landforms, Tianlong Waterfall, Yuping Peak, Bihui Danxia, etc. It is recommended to bring hiking shoes and sun protection. Noon: Meal inside or near the scenic area Cost: About 30-50 RMB per person (simple meal or local farmhouse dishes) Afternoon: Cultural Experience in Sanming City Examples: Sanming Museum or revolutionary cultural sites Entrance Fee: Mostly free or low cost Highlights: Learn about Sanming’s revolutionary history and local culture. Evening: Leisure in the city Accommodation: Budget hotel or guesthouse (about 150-200 RMB/night) Dinner: Local specialty snacks (such as Sanming mixed noodles, Shaxian snacks), budget around 50 RMB. Day 2: Countryside and Nature Relaxation Morning: Countryside experience in Shaxian or Taining County Transportation: Chartered car or bus (about 1 hour) Highlights: Countryside scenery, pastoral charm, farmhouse experience. You can pick fruits, take walks, and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. Noon: Farmhouse meal in the countryside Cost: About 30-50 RMB per person Afternoon: Return to the city or visit nearby hot springs for relaxation (if time permits) Hot Springs: Sanming has some hot spring resorts, ideal for relaxation. Entrance and bathing fees are about 100 RMB. Return trip or continue with other plans 3. Budget Breakdown (about 1000 RMB) Item Cost (RMB) Notes Transportation (within city and to attractions) 150 Includes bus, taxi, chartered car Entrance Fees 150 Total for main attractions Accommodation 200 Budget hotel or guesthouse for one night Meals 150 Three meals over two days, mainly local snacks Others (souvenirs, snacks, etc.) 50 Reserve Hot Springs or other experiences 100 Depending on itinerary Total 800 Leaves room for unexpected expenses or upgrades 4. Travel Tips Book accommodation in advance to enjoy discounts. Bring hiking shoes and sun protection, and pay attention to safety. Check attraction opening hours and plan your time reasonably. Carry some snacks and water to save time and money. We hope this Sanming travel guide helps you enjoy this city where nature and culture blend seamlessly! If you need more detailed attraction introductions or transportation information, feel free to ask. Have a pleasant trip!

Explore Sanming in winter with a 3-day, 2-night itinerary! This detailed guide will help you explore Sanming. Come and discover the winter charm of this city! / Places to visit: Golden Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐ · Address: Taining County, Sanming City, Fujian Province · Opening hours: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm · Duration: 4–5 hours · Explore the Danxia landform on the water, and be enchanted by the mysterious cave culture. The Buddha's light can be seen everywhere, as if you are in a fairyland. Jiulongtan ⭐⭐⭐ · Address: Provincial Highway 205, Taining County, Sanming City · Opening hours: November 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm · Duration: 1 hour · This is a miniature pearl of the Danxia landform on the water, where mountain springs and streams converge. Enjoy the beauty of the mountains and rivers during the day and feel relaxed and happy. Zhaixia Grand Canyon ⭐⭐⭐ · Address: Zhaixia Village, Taining County, Sanming City · Opening hours: January 1 to February 28, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm · Duration: 4–5 hours · A great place to explore the Danxia landform and feel the depth and mystery of nature, as if you have entered another world. / Tips: 1. Photo spots: Sanming has many beautiful places worth taking photos of, such as Ruiyun Mountain and Golden Lake, which are paradises for photography enthusiasts 📸. 2. Local customs: In Sanming, you can experience the local customs and feel the simplicity and enthusiasm ❤️. 3. February climate: Although Sanming is a bit cold and wet in February, it is a good time to explore the outdoor scenery. Remember to bring a warm coat 🧥! 4. Specialty prices: Want to buy some specialties as souvenirs? Sanming's specialties are affordable, and Shaxian snacks and Yong'an rice noodles are good choices 🍜. / There are so many fun places in Sanming, and there is always one that you will love. Don't forget to leave your footprints and memories! 🌟

A historic city delayed by snacks. Everyone must know Sha County snacks, but they don't know Sha County Shuimei Ancient Castle Group, Sha County is confused, it should promote here. I stayed in Sha County for a day and sorted out a one-day tour guide for everyone! 🗓Itinerary: Sha County Shuimei Ancient Castle Group→Sha County Old Railway Station→Qu Alley→Suspension Bridge→Wenchang Pavilion→Chenghuang Temple→Wenchang Alley→Dongmen Old Street→Sha County Museum→Qifeng Diecui 👍Most recommended: Sha County Shuimei Ancient Castle Group The ancient castle group is composed of Shuangji, Shuangxing and Shuangyuan castles. The layout of the three castles is balanced and rigorous, with complete internal facilities, reflecting the superb architectural skills of the year. The best preserved: Shuangxing Castle was built in the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, and the outer castle wall was added in the seventh year of Xianfeng. It is high in the south and low in the north, with a drop of about 3 meters. The plane is front and back arcs, covering an area of 4300 square meters. The wall houses, eaves and ridges of the castle are stacked in order, and from a distance, they look like a group of swallows spreading their wings and flying, which is spectacular. The buildings in the castle are all through-bucket-style Xieshanding, the corner tower frame is smeared with corner beams, and the roof is four-sided slope. The largest volume: Shuangyuan Castle was built in the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty and was completed in the first year of Tongzhi. It covers an area of 6500 square meters. The front is an empty field, and there is a corner tower on the north and south sides of the east wall. On the door lintel outside the east gate, the regular script "Dian Que You Ju" is engraved in Yin. The architectural layout of the castle pays attention to the central axis. The front of the east, south, and north corner towers protrudes from the castle wall by 120 cm, with three floors. The first floor is solid, and the second and third floors have defensive space. The smallest volume: Shuangji Castle was completed in the 27th year of Daoguang, and it is a slope-type earth castle with a Jingde Hall inside. The plane is round in front and round in the back, covering an area of 2600 square meters. Shuangji Castle relies on the natural terrain and is artificially modified into a 5-level terrace for construction. The castle has a multi-line layout and pays attention to the use of feng shui in architecture.🏰 Sha County Old Railway Station: An abandoned old station, there is a granary behind, full of retro style, it is a good place to take pictures.🚆 Qu Alley: Internet celebrity check-in place, Internet celebrity coffee and small bars are in this alley. Li Ji and Fei Jie Sha County snacks are also in the nearby Bancuo Alley. Suspension Bridge: Internet celebrity check-in point, spanning the Shaxi River, connecting the attractions on both sides.🌉 Sha County Museum: The museum has a rich collection and is the best place to understand Sha County.🏛️ Qifeng Diecui: Sha County's famous scenic spot, the pedestrian plank road is still very good, it is better to come and see the night view at night.⛰️ 👎Scenic spots that can be skipped if you are in a hurry: Wenchang Pavilion: Newly built ancient buildings, you can watch the light show here at night, and it is also good to take pictures of the Sha County Museum from here.📚 Wenchang Alley: Red block, very quiet, also suitable for check-in and taking pictures, walk to the end is Dongmen Old Street.🎨 Dongmen Old Street: The old building transformed into a commercial block, Sha County should have just started to do these transformation types of industries in the past two years, currently there are not many shops opened, and it is not very lively.🍢 🚉Transportation strategy: Taxi is cheap and convenient. 🍽Catering recommendation: The food is in the next article, everyone is welcome to follow. 🏨Hotel environment: Banshanyun Apartment (Fenghuang Road Branch) The homestay transformed from a residential house, the overall environment is good, the room is quite large, the hygiene and bedding are also good, the only drawback is that there is no elevator, it is not very convenient to live on the fourth or fifth floor. It is recommended to stay next to the municipal government in Sha County, which is convenient everywhere. 📝Note tips: 1. It is best to drive to the ancient castle by yourself, otherwise it is not easy to call a car when you come back, or you can always add strength to call a car from the city on Gaode. The above is the full guide of Sha County One Day Tour I brought to you! Each attraction has its own unique charm, I hope you can gain a lot of beautiful memories in your journey!❤️🎉✨

Sanming is one of the best place I have ever been in China. This place is beautiful with the lake and the mountain. You can take a peaceful time here and enjoy the scenery. You can also get a cup of local green tea here. #merrychristmas #merrychristmas

October breezes carry the faint scent of osmanthus, and the temperature is so comfortable you'll want to spend all day outside. Don't bother squeezing into popular tourist cities. These 4 hidden gems aren't packed with tour groups. They feature Danxia landforms, colorful forests, ancient towns, and waterscapes. You won't need to fight for a photo spot or edit out strangers. Just snap a photo with your phone, and you'll be flooded with questions about where you are when you post it on social media. 🍂 Quzhou ✨ Trip highlights Mount Jianglang's Danxia red cliffs against a clear blue sky. Light beams filtering through the "Yixiantian" (A Thread of Sky) make for incredible silhouettes. You won't run into many large tour groups here. Nianbadu Ancient Town is hidden deep in the Xianxia Mountains. White walls and dark tiles set against the colorful autumn leaves on the mountain behind. No repetitive, trendy hawking. Find any angle for an atmospheric, traditional-style photo. The Root Palace Buddhist Cultural Garden is filled with the scent of osmanthus. Petals fall onto the stone steps with every breeze. Light and shadow play against the root carvings, creating high-quality, moody, traditional-style photos. 🗓️ Itinerary 2 days is just right for a relaxed trip. Day 1: Visit the Root Palace Buddhist Cultural Garden, then head to Nianbadu in the afternoon. Stay at a guesthouse in the ancient town and capture the smoke rising from rooftops at dusk. Day 2: Wake up early to hike Mount Jianglang, then walk a short section of the Xianxia Ancient Trail on your way back. Depart in the afternoon. 🍜 Food recommendations Freshly baked scallion meat pancakes at the alley entrance are fragrant. Braised duck heads and feet are addictive. Kaihua clear-water fish is so fresh you'll drink the soup to the last drop. 💡 Travel tips The steps at Mount Jianglang are steep, so wear non-slip sneakers. It's cool in the ancient town morning and evening, so bring a light knit jacket. The park is large, so take your time and don't rush. 🍂 Huaihua ✨ Trip highlights Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town is a well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty trading port. Bluestone roads run alongside old "Yinzi" houses. In October, the sycamore leaves turn yellow and fall at the alley entrances. You won't need to avoid crowds while taking Republic of China-style photos. Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge is a representative Dong ethnic wind and rain bridge. When the lights come on at dusk, the bridge reflects on the Zhijiang River. The atmosphere for reflection photos is perfect, and almost no one will be fighting for a spot. The Yingzuijie primeval forest puts on its colorful autumn attire in October. Red and yellow forests wrap around emerald streams. Hike and take forest-style autumn photos, enjoying the peace of the whole mountain to yourself. 🗓️ Itinerary 2–3 days for a relaxed trip. Day 1: Head straight to Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town and explore until the lanterns light up. Stay near the ancient town. Day 2: Go to Zhijiang, visit the Surrender Memorial Arch, and wait for the Wind and Rain Bridge to light up for night photos. Day 3: If you have time, take a short hike in Yingzuijie. Depart in the afternoon. 🍜 Food recommendations Zhijiang duck is tender and not gamey. Blood rice duck has the fragrance of sticky rice. Street-side rice tofu is sour, sweet, and appetizing. Dong-style oil tea warms you from the inside out. 💡 Travel tips The bluestone roads in the ancient town are slippery when wet, so wear non-slip shoes on rainy days. Autumn fog is heavy in the mountains, so drive slowly if you are self-driving. The Wind and Rain Bridge lights are on from about 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, so don't miss out. 🍂 Hanzhong ✨ Trip highlights The colorful forests of Liping Forest Park reach their peak in mid-to-late October. Layers of red maples, smoke trees, and dawn redwoods. Emerald pools are embedded in the forest. You won't need to fight for a spot to take autumn portraits. Qingmuchuan Ancient Town is located at the junction of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan. Huilongchang Old Street stretches along the riverbank. Colorful leaves on the mountain behind reflect against black tiles, full of local life. No excessive commercial noise. In the city, the ancient cypress trees at Guhantai tower into the sky. In October, the scent of osmanthus fills the courtyards. Han dynasty relics paired with red walls give traditional-style photos a sense of gravitas. Very few tourists, making it exceptionally peaceful. 🗓️ Itinerary 3 days for a relaxed trip. Day 1: Arrive in Hanzhong city, visit Guhantai and Baijiangtan. In the evening, go to the Han River to enjoy the evening breeze. Day 2: Drive or join a legitimate one-day tour to Liping for an in-depth tour of the colorful forest valleys. Day 3: Spend half a day exploring Qingmuchuan Ancient Town. Have some farmhouse food before heading back. 🍜 Food recommendations For breakfast, try hot rice noodles with vegetable tofu. Walnut buns are crispy and fragrant, making great souvenirs. Qingmuchuan bacon stir-fried with fresh bamboo shoots is incredibly delicious. 💡 Travel tips Liping has a high altitude and is cold in mid-to-late October, so bring a thick windproof jacket. There are many trails in the scenic area, so wear comfortable sneakers. Farmhouse portions are large, so don't over-order. 🍂 Sanming ✨ Trip highlights Taining Dajin Lake's Danxia mountains are embedded in an emerald lake. October is cool and not too sunny; take a boat tour to explore the water caves. The lake surface shimmers with mountain reflections. You won't need to fight for a spot on the deck to take clear landscape photos. The stalactites in Yuhua Cave come in thousands of shapes. With gradient lighting, it feels like stepping into a fantasy wonderland. The cave has a comfortable, constant temperature, making it perfect for moody, atmospheric photos. Shangshudi is a well-preserved group of Ming dynasty residences. The brick and wood carvings are exquisite and sophisticated. Bright red bougainvillea hangs from the walls. You can find any angle to take photos of Southern Fujian ancient architecture without being disturbed. 🗓️ Itinerary 2 days is enough for a fun trip. Day 1: Arrive in Taining, visit the Shangshudi ancient architectural complex. Stroll through the ancient town alleys in the evening. Day 2: Tour Dajin Lake in the morning, visit Yuhua Cave in the afternoon. Depart after finishing. 🍜 Food recommendations Dajin Lake organic fish head has no muddy taste, and the milky soup is super fresh. Nuangu buns are soft, sticky, and fragrant with filling. Street-side Biyu rolls are refreshing and palate-cleansing. 💡 Travel tips Dajin Lake boat schedules are fixed, so check the time in advance to avoid missing it. The temperature in Yuhua Cave is on the lower side, so bring a thin long-sleeved shirt. There are many forks in the ancient town alleys, so follow the signs to avoid getting lost. The autumn scenery is beautiful, so don't waste it on crowded roads. Just pick a place you like and set off! ✨

It is often said that Sanming Steel came before the city of Sanming. This steel production base, deeply rooted in the city, has transformed into a national 4A-level industrial tourism zone, turning the fiery industrial years into a landscape you can stroll through and explore. Step into the 1958 Industrial Memory Park, where vintage steam locomotives, old equipment, and red brick factory buildings are etched with the passionate spirit of the 1950s. Enter the Industrial Memory Museum, where old photos, artifacts, and restored scenes vividly recount the history of the builders who broke ground and smelted iron, offering a complete story of how iron ore is refined into steel. The once-roaring steel mill is now lush with greenery. The raw power of steel blends with the city's daily life, offering both the majestic impact of heavy industry and the human warmth of time gone by. Niche and photogenic, it is both a popular photo spot and a vivid textbook on industrial science. ✨Travel tips ▪️Location: Sanming Steel Industrial Tourism Zone, Sanyuan District, Sanming ▪️Highlights: 1958 Industrial Memory Museum, Industrial Memory Park, steam locomotive photo spot ▪️Best for: Photography, educational tours. Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours

Who says budget travel means settling for less? Want a spontaneous trip with your partner but worry about crowds and overspending in popular cities? These 4 off-the-beaten-path cities with direct high-speed train service — Duyun, Guizhou; Sanming, Fujian; Lanxi, Zhejiang; and Huaian, Jiangsu — have fewer tourists, beautiful scenery, and low costs. For two people, a 3-day trip often stays within CNY 1,500. You don’t have to go broke to have a high-quality couple getaway. 🌿 Duyun, Guizhou | 24°C plateau bridge city, a historical costume couple’s time-travel trip Duyun is tucked in Qiannan, a seriously underrated mountain-and-bridge city. With an average temperature of 24°C year-round, summer feels like a natural air-conditioned home. High-speed trains go directly to Duyun East station, a 15-minute taxi to the city center. From Guiyang, the high-speed train takes only 40 minutes. Couple must-dos: · Qinhan Film City (admission CNY 80): Filming location for Joy of Life and The Untamed. Rent two sets of hanfu and take a set of ancient-style couple photos at Weiyang Palace and Zhuque Street. Enter after 3 PM to get both daytime and evening shots. · Luosike tea mountains: the core production area of Duyun Maojian, with layers of tea fields like a painting. See the sea of clouds from 6:00–8:00 AM, chase golden sunsets from 5:00–7:00 PM. Zongyang Waterfall was a filming site for The Untamed. Hold hands on the tea mountain trails amid the scent of tea. · Shiban Street (free): a 600-year-old Ming and Qing alley with winding bluestone paths; when lanterns light up at night, it feels like stepping into a Ming–Qing painting. · Xishan Bridge (free): a filming spot for A Cool Fish. At night the covered bridge reflects on the river, and the nearby night market is perfect for strolling and snacking. Couple eats: prawn-sour beef (tangy and super appetizing), sour soup beef noodles, chongchong cake, handmade iced jelly. Taxi starting fare in the city is CNY 6. Budget reference: CNY 600–900 per person for 3 days and 2 nights (round‑trip high‑speed train + lodging + meals + admission) 🏯 Sanming, Fujian | free hidden gems clustered together, look expensive on a small budget Sanming is Fujian’s "natural oxygen bar," with many scenic spots like Shui Mei earth fort clusters and Ruiyun Mountain open for free. There are multiple high-speed stations — take the train to Sanming North for Shaxian snacks, or get off at Taining station for Taining and Dajin Lake. Couple must-dos: · Shui Mei earth fort clusters (free): century-old Hakka earth forts hidden in the mountains, more offbeat than Fujian tulou. Eight-meter rammed-earth walls, concealed shooting holes, and winding corridor walkways. They’re most beautiful at sunset when the walls turn caramel. · Shaxian: don’t just eat Shaxian snacks — walk the Qifeng emerald plank road to watch the Sha Xi River sunset, and citywalk Dongmen Old Street. A bowl of flat meat dumplings is CNY 8; two people can eat well for CNY 70–80. · Youxi united terraced fields (globally recognized agricultural heritage): beautiful in every season, the pastoral scenery is calming and perfect for zoning out together. · Guifeng ancient village (admission CNY 20): an 800-year-old village ideal for autumn sun-drying scenes and ancient houses. Couple eats: Shaxian wontons, mixed noodles (CNY in the teens and very filling), claypot soup, loach rice noodles. Two people can get stuffed on home-style dishes for CNY 70–80. Budget reference: CNY 400–700 per person for 2 days and 1 night (excluding major transportation) 🏮 Lanxi, Zhejiang | the last laid-back water town in Jiangnan, CNY 500 per person to relax for 3 days Lanxi is the kind of place you won’t want to leave — avoid crowds of Wuzhen and Xitang; here you’ll find authentic local life. High-speed trains from Hangzhou take 40 minutes, from Shanghai 1.5 hours. Lanxi now has high-speed rail, so no more green-skin trains. Couple must-dos: · Youbu ancient town (free): the pinnacle of Jiangnan morning tea! The old street is lively from 5 AM, steam rising. Try rouchenzi and jizi guo for juicy bites. Sit in a century-old teahouse, drink morning tea, and watch locals chat — that’s what travel is about. · Zhuge Bagua Village (admission about CNY 90): descendants of Zhuge Liang live here; the whole village is laid out in a bagua pattern with white walls, dark tiles, and intersecting bluestone alleys. The central bell pool looks like a Taiji diagram. Hold hands and wander the maze — every corner brings a surprise. · Lan Lake (free): Zhejiang’s “little Switzerland,” fewer people and beautiful scenery, perfect for couple dates. · Underground river: take a boat through karst caves — romantic and cool. Couple eats: jizi guo CNY 6 each, plain hand-pulled noodles CNY 8, sticky rice cake CNY 5 — street shops let you fill up for about CNY 15–25 per person. Budget reference: about CNY 500 per person for 3 days and 2 nights (excluding major transportation) 🏛️ Huaian, Jiangsu | 2,500-year-old canal city, CNY 500 to feel cultured Huaian is the birthplace of Huaiyang cuisine, where Journey to the West was born, and Premier Zhou Enlai’s hometown. High-speed trains arrive at Huaian East station, a 15-minute taxi to Hexia ancient town. Visitor numbers are only about 1/5 of Yangzhou’s, so no crowded scenes. Couple must-dos: · Hexia ancient town (free): a national 5A scenic area with 2,500 years of history that’s free to enter. Bluestone streets are polished by time, and Ming and Qing houses exude a scholarly atmosphere. Hold hands and stroll — much more pleasant than going to Zhouzhuang. · Wu Cheng’en former residence (admission CNY 40): where Journey to the West was born; stand in the writer’s study and feel the moment the myth came to life. · Li Canal cultural promenade (free): highly recommend a night cruise on a painted boat (about CNY 50–80 per person) to see the riverside night views amid oar sounds and lights. Aim for after 7:00 PM when the lights are best. · Hongze Lake dyke: sunsets are breathtaking; cycling and lake breezes are super relaxing for two. Couple eats: crab-roe soup buns (remember the trick "open the window first, then sip the soup"), teasnacks (cheaper down the alleys), Qinggong meatballs, long fish noodles. CNY 20–30 per person fills you up. Budget reference: CNY 500–600 per person for 2 days and 1 night (excluding major transportation) Summary comparison Destination | high-speed train time | total budget for 2 people over 3 days | best couple activities Duyun, Guizhou | Guiyang 40 minutes | CNY 1,200–1,800 | wear hanfu and stroll film city + hold hands on tea mountains to see the sea of clouds Sanming, Fujian | Fuzhou 1 hour | CNY 800–1,400 | shoot sunset at earth forts + eat your way through Shaxian Lanxi, Zhejiang | Hangzhou 40 minutes | about CNY 1,000 | morning tea and zoning out in Youbu + get lost together in Bagua Village Huaian, Jiangsu | Nanjing 1.5 hours | CNY 1,000–1,200 | hold hands in Hexia ancient town + night cruise on the Li Canal 💡 budget travel tips for couples 1. transportation: high-speed rail is convenient for all four cities; buy tickets 2 weeks in advance to save money 2. lodging: choose homestays in old towns or near ancient towns for the best value (CNY 80–150 per night) 3. eating: avoid restaurants at scenic entrances; walk into alleys and follow places where locals line up 4. admission: many attractions in Sanming and Lanxi are free; check free-entry policies in advance 5. what to wear: bring a light jacket for Duyun (18°C at night); wear comfortable flat shoes in Sanming, Lanxi, and Huaian for walking on bluestone streets --- One last word: travel isn’t happier just because you spend more. The most luxurious part of budget travel is holding hands with someone you love in a small town no one knows, eating local snacks, and watching a sunset together. Among these four off-the-beaten-path cities with CNY 500+ per person budgets, which one would you most want to take your partner to?

Don't want to spend a fortune or deal with crowds this National Day? 😭 We've rounded up 4 hidden gems that are accessible by high-speed rail, have super low costs of living, and offer an incredible experience! No National Day price hikes, off the beaten path, and affordable food and lodging! Perfect for students and working professionals—you can't go wrong with these, and you can enjoy a National Day holiday for just a few hundred yuan per person✨ 🏙️Guizhou Xingyi | A budget-friendly hidden gem in the southwest mountains 🚄Transport: High-speed rail reaches Xingyi Station from many cities across the country. Taxis and e-scooters within the city are super cheap. Attractions are concentrated, so no need to rush around, and you can find accommodation for around 100 yuan. 💖Experience: The autumn scenery in October is divine! The rice paddies in Wanfenglin are turning yellow, the reflections in the water are stunning, and the karst pastoral scenery is healing and photogenic. Avoid the crowds of popular Guizhou spots; enjoy a relaxing, peaceful trip with very little commercialization. The ultimate value for budget travel! 🗓️Short itinerary: Cycling in Wanfenglin to enjoy the autumn → Light hiking in Maling River Canyon → Relaxing and eating in the old streets of the city 🍜Must-try food: Chicken tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), shuabatou, Xingyi cold noodles, sticky rice. Eat your fill for just a dozen yuan—authentic southwest flavors😋 🏙️Fujian Sanming | A small city of landscapes and culture in central Fujian 🚄Transport: High-speed rail goes directly to Sanming Station. City transport is convenient, with buses going directly to major attractions. Travel stress-free. 💖Experience: A severely underrated hidden gem in Fujian! The landscapes of Dajinhu in Taining are serene, and the ancient alleys are quiet and simple. Very few tourists during National Day, so no noisy crowds. The climate is comfortable and cool. Explore mountains, waters, and ancient temples for a high-quality trip on a low budget. 🗓️Short itinerary: Dajinhu boat tour in Taining → Visit Ganlu Temple → Stroll through ancient cities and alleys to enjoy the autumn 🍜Must-try food: Sanming smoked duck, loach vermicelli, guotiao (rice noodles), Hakka home-style dishes. Affordable and generous portions, full of Fujian flavor 🏙️Jiangsu Huaian | A gentle, vibrant ancient city in northern Jiangsu 🚄Transport: High-speed rail goes directly to Huaian Station, a transport hub in northern Jiangsu. City buses cover everything, and accommodation is great value with no holiday price hikes. 💖Experience: A super laid-back, cozy little city! The thousand-year-old Grand Canal is rich in history, the autumn scenery along the Li Canal is beautiful, and the streets are full of life. Costs are extremely low, making it easy to shop and sightsee. Perfect for a slow, relaxing getaway. 🗓️Short itinerary: Night cruise on the Li Canal corridor → Stroll through Hexia Ancient Town → Discover local snacks at the night market 🍜Must-try food: Long fish noodles, Huaian tea snacks, bundled trotters, Pingqiao tofu. Affordable and authentic, local favorites 🏙️Gansu Lanzhou | A budget-friendly, vibrant capital in the northwest 🚄Transport: High-speed rail goes directly to Lanzhou West Station. The city has a well-developed subway and bus network, making travel super easy. 💖Experience: The best city in the northwest for budget travel! The weather in October is dry and comfortable, and the autumn scenery along the Yellow River is vast and grand. The whole city is bursting with life, costs are friendly, and snacks are everywhere. You can experience the romance of the great Northwest without spending a fortune. 🗓️Short itinerary: Walk and relax by the Yellow River → Check out the night view at Zhongshan Bridge → Indulge in food at Zhengning Road Night Market 🍜Must-try food: Authentic beef noodles, tianpei (sweet fermented oats), milk fermented glutinous rice (laozao), hand-grabbed mutton snacks. Average price is in the single digits—eat to your heart's content 💡National Day budget travel tips✨ 1. The temperature difference between day and night in October is large. It can be chilly in the evenings in mountain and riverside cities, so bring a light jacket and carry an umbrella for sun or rain 2. All 4 cities have low costs throughout, with no price hikes at attractions. The value for accommodation during National Day is far better than in trendy cities 3. Focus on a relaxed, slow-paced trip. No need to wake up early to rush to attractions—wandering at your own pace is the right way to enjoy the holiday 4. Prioritize old restaurants in residential areas for food and avoid shops in tourist areas. The taste is more authentic, you won't be disappointed, and it's great value 5. Off-the-beaten-path destinations have fewer crowds, no traffic jams, and no queues. The experience is far better than at popular tourist spots! You really don't need to spend a lot of money on a National Day trip! These 4 budget-friendly hidden gems cover landscapes, culture, and local life. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a student, they are all perfect for an easy, low-cost, and happy National Day holiday🌟

In this life, you have to be impulsive at least once. No need to plan two weeks in advance, no need to rush to meet a schedule, no need to follow the crowds to trendy spots. Set off when you're tired, escape when you're weary of the city's hustle and bustle. These 8 gentle small cities are perfect for a spontaneous, go-with-the-flow style of travel—wherever you go, you'll find beauty, freedom, and healing.🍃 1. Wuyi, Zhejiang | A slow wander in mountain hot springs No need to chase time; life here moves in slow motion. No crowds, just green mountains, streams, rice paddies, and ancient villages. Listen to birdsong in the mountains in the morning, soak in a mountain hot spring in the afternoon, and wash away the fatigue accumulated from the city. The old streets are filled with gentle, everyday life, and the ancient villages are quiet and rustic—perfect for turning off your alarm, clearing your mind, and just daydreaming the days away. 2. Weishan, Yunnan | An undisturbed ancient town A hidden gem ten times quieter than Dali, free from commercial hustle. With its blue-tiled courtyards, century-old streets, Confucian temples, and ancient towers, it is full of authentic Western Yunnan charm. Walking through the empty alleys, even the breeze feels slow. No need to look for attractions; just wandering around, soaking up the sun, and eating local snacks is the most comfortable way to travel. 3. Liyang, Jiangsu | A healing sanctuary of bamboo forests and lakes A gentle backyard hidden in the Jiangnan region. Thousands of acres of bamboo forests sway in the wind, the waters of Tianmu Lake are clear and gentle, and the lakeside lawns are open and healing. You can take a walk around the lake, stroll through the woods, or go camping in the afternoon. Or, do nothing at all—just sit, watch the clouds, feel the breeze, and daydream. This place is perfect for anyone who doesn't want to rush and just wants to relax. 4. Sanming, Fujian | A secluded paradise in the mountains of Fujian A severely underrated, niche gem in Fujian with serene landscapes and fresh air. With lush green mountains, babbling brooks, and ancient villages scattered throughout the wilderness, the local customs are simple and the prices are affordable. No need to deliberately look for photo spots; just drive along the mountain roads, and you will find green mountains, mist, and pastoral scenery everywhere—every view is healing. 5. Jingdezhen, Jiangxi | Where everyday life meets art A city for free spirits to wander. With its old streets, Taoxichuan, and ancient kiln ruins, the whole city is filled with an artistic atmosphere. You can see artisans everywhere, and the slow-paced pottery life makes you naturally slow down. Spend the day browsing markets, looking at ceramics, and experiencing the artistic vibe of the small town, then take a walk in the evening breeze—relaxed and free. 6. Qinzhou, Guangxi | A niche seaside getaway If you are tired of crowded, popular beaches, come to Qinzhou. With its long, clean coastline, gentle sea breeze, and clear waters, seafood is affordable and fresh during the fishing season. You can take aimless walks along the coast, watch the sunset, feel the sea breeze, and walk on the sand and waves. Undisturbed, it gently heals all your unhappiness. 7. Shexian, Anhui | Authentic, slow-paced Huizhou Avoid the crowds of Hongcun and Xidi; this is what Huizhou really looks like. With ancient streets along the river, Huizhou-style old houses, and pastoral villages, autumn here is gentle and quiet. Stroll along the river, watch the white walls and black tiles reflected in the water, and feel the gentle evening breeze. It is a place for wandering at will, without worrying about when to return. 8. Qingzhou, Shandong | A gentle ancient town in the North The best niche ancient town in the North for relaxing and wandering. The ancient town is flat and quiet, the old streets are simple and authentic, and the ancient locust trees, old alleys, and stone bridges are full of history. The pace is slow, life is comfortable, and there are no commercial traps. Wander aimlessly through the streets and alleys to experience the gentle tranquility of this small northern town. 🌿Travel reflections True travel is never about just checking off sights in a rush. It is about letting go of anxiety, plans, and haste. In an unfamiliar small town, walk and stop as you please. Wherever the wind blows, that is where we go. This is the most healing way to live.

Where to travel on a budget in August? These 8 places are less crowded, beautiful, and inexpensive 01 Yingtan | Jiangxi 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Yingtan North Station. There are buses right outside the station that go directly to the Longhushan Visitor Center. The fare is 4 yuan, while a taxi costs about 40 yuan. Don't buy a package ticket at the scenic area entrance; ask your guesthouse owner first. Many guesthouses can help you book and save you tens of yuan. 📍 The core activity at Longhushan is taking a bamboo raft to see the Danxia landforms. The whole trip takes about 1.5 hours. The first group to board at 8 am has the fewest people, and the mist on the water hasn't dissipated yet, making the mountains on both sides look like they're emerging from an ink painting. After disembarking, head straight to the hanging coffin performance. There are two shows daily, at 10 am and 2 pm. If you arrive late, you'll have to stand in the back row. 🍜 For lunch, eat chestnut roasted chicken in Shangqing Ancient Town outside the scenic area. A small portion costs 35 yuan, enough for two people. Tianshi chestnuts are a local specialty; buying them loose is half the price of vacuum-packed ones. ⚠️ The light is too harsh after 3 PM, making photos prone to overexposure. It's recommended to enter the Elephant Trunk Hill boardwalk around 4 PM; it takes about half an hour to walk, and the steps aren't steep, so even elderly people can climb slowly. 02 Jining|Shandong If you only have one day, don't try to do too much. Choose either Qufu or Weishan Lake. If you want to experience cultural heritage, choose Qufu; if you want to see waterscapes and lotus flowers, choose Weishan Lake. Trying to do both will only leave you exhausted. 🚄 Get off at Qufu East Station and take a taxi to Ming Ancient City (about 15 minutes). A combined ticket for the Three Confucius Sites (Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansion, and Confucius Cemetery) costs 140 yuan; students get half price. ⚠️ The Confucius Temple and Confucius Mansion are separated by a street, a 5-minute walk. Don't take the rickshaws at the entrance of the scenic area; the starting price is 20 yuan, but it's just a short walk. 🍜 After visiting the Three Confucius Sites, walk 200 meters east to Wumaci Street. A bowl of braised pork rice costs 12 yuan; the pork is stewed until tender and goes perfectly with rice. After 3 PM, the Confucius Forest is less crowded, with towering ancient cypress trees and the sound of cicadas—a much more pleasant stroll than in the morning. Weishan Lake is better suited for a self-driving trip. The lotus flowers are at their peak from late July to mid-August. A round-trip boat trip to the island in the middle of the lake costs 60 yuan and takes 20 minutes. A fisherman's feast on the island costs 50 yuan per person; stir-fried lotus root and fried lotus flowers are seasonal dishes, don't miss them. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes by the lake, wear long pants and bring mosquito repellent. 03 Honghe|Yunnan Yuanyang Rice Terraces and Jianshui Ancient City are not close, a 3-hour drive. A two-day, one-night trip is recommended. Stay in Jianshui, explore the ancient city during the day, and hire a car to the rice terraces early the next morning to watch the sunrise. 📍 No entrance fee is required for Jianshui Ancient City; you can enter directly. Chaoyang Tower is a landmark of the ancient city. Climbing it around 6 PM, the setting sun bathes the cobblestone streets in gold, creating a stunning photo opportunity. The Zhu Family Garden in the ancient city costs 50 yuan to enter. If you want to see the courtyard of a wealthy family in southern Yunnan, go in; otherwise, taking a photo at the entrance is still worthwhile. 🌄 To watch the sunrise at Yuanyang Rice Terraces, you need to arrive at the Duoyishu viewing platform before 6:30 AM. Later, you'll only see crowds. A driver will arrange a time a day in advance; a shared ride costs 80 yuan per person round trip. ⚠️ The rice terrace area is at a high altitude; the temperature is only 15 degrees Celsius in the morning, so bring a light jacket. 🍜 The grilled tofu in Jianshui is the soul of the place. The stall next to the Ximenban Well sells it for 50 cents a piece. Grilled over charcoal until puffed up, it's eaten with a dry dipping sauce. The Daban Well is right next door; you can watch the locals drawing water, a truly immersive experience. 04 Haibei | Qinghai In the Qilian Mountains area, August is the tail end of the season when the grass is at its greenest and the rapeseed flowers haven't fully faded, making it ideal for self-driving or hiring a car. Starting from Xining, a one-day car hire costs 800 yuan; sharing with four people is the most cost-effective. 📍 Recommended route: First, go to Ami Dongsuo, also known as Niuxin Mountain. At the foot of the mountain is a grassland where cattle and sheep graze freely, with snow-capped peaks in the background—every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy. Next, go to the Heihe Grand Canyon. It's windy inside the canyon; the boardwalk takes about 40 minutes, so don't wear a skirt—you'll be blown around by the wind. ⚠️ Lenglongling looks close, but it's a long drive; if you're short on time, view it from a distance and don't rush. The best time to photograph the Qilian Mountains is from 5 pm to 7 pm, when the light shines obliquely on the grassland, creating a beautiful sense of depth. 🏠 For accommodation, choose Qilian County; a standard room costs around 150 yuan, and you can see a sky full of stars at night. The yak yogurt in the county town is worth trying; it's 10 yuan a bowl, so sour it'll make you wince, but adding two spoonfuls of sugar makes it just right. 05 Sanming | Fujian Taining Ancient City and Dajin Lake are close by and can be visited on the same day. Take a lake cruise in the morning and explore the ancient city in the afternoon – a perfect pace. ⏰ Dajin Lake boat tours depart twice daily at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, lasting about 3 hours. A combined boat ticket and entrance ticket costs 160 yuan. There's commentary on board, but the signal is practically nonexistent in the middle of the lake, so download an offline map beforehand. ⚠️ It's recommended to choose a window seat on the boat, as it's windy on the lake, and the seats on the deck are unbearably hot. Return to Taining Ancient City in the afternoon. The ancient city itself is free, but the Shangshu Mansion ancient building complex requires an entrance fee of 30 yuan. The most relaxing way to explore the ancient city is to wander into the alleyways, where the cobblestone streets are lined with old Ming and Qing dynasty houses, with a very uncommercial atmosphere. 🍜 In the evening, have a bowl of "Jade Rolls" at the entrance of the ancient city. These are thin pancakes filled with various fillings, costing 8 yuan a serving. The filling includes dried bamboo shoots and minced meat, and is very fragrant. 06 Sanya | Hainan Don't assume Sanya is expensive. August is the off-season, so airfare and hotels are much cheaper. To save money, stay in Dadonghai instead of Yalong Bay. Sea view rooms are just over 200 yuan a night, and a taxi ride to the city center for seafood costs only around ten yuan. 📍 Wuzhizhou Island entrance fee plus boat ticket is 144 yuan. After arriving on the island, don't rush to queue for the electric cart. First, walk to your right; there's a free beach boardwalk that's less crowded, and you can see the coral reefs clearly. ⚠️ Drinking water is expensive on the island, so bring two bottles of water with you. Many people say Tianya Haijiao (End of the Earth) isn't interesting, but going in the evening is a completely different experience. After 5:30 pm, the light softens, the rocks on the beach are bathed in the golden glow of the sunset, and the crowds have thinned out, making for a particularly pleasant stroll. Tickets are 68 yuan, well worth it. 🌊 Choose either Xiaodongtian or Yalong Bay. Yalong Bay beach is free, with fine sand, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Xiaodongtian tickets are 90 yuan, mainly for viewing the reefs and Taoist culture. If you're not particularly interested, save that money for a delicious dessert like Qingbuliang (a traditional Cantonese dessert). 07 Laibin | Guangxi The Dayao Mountains area is ideal for hiking enthusiasts. Jinxiu Lianhua Mountain and Panwangjie are not far apart and can be hiked in a day, but it's physically demanding, so non-slip shoes are recommended. 📍 Lianhua Mountain is mainly Danxia landform. The boardwalk is built along the cliff edge, and a complete loop takes about 2 hours. There's a section with nearly 90-degree stairs; those afraid of heights should stay on the inside. The view from the summit is expansive, offering views of the entire Jinxiu County. Panwangjie is more culturally oriented, with Yao ethnic villages within the scenic area. There are free song and dance performances in the afternoon. 🍜 At the Yao ethnic restaurant at the foot of the mountain, bamboo rice is 15 yuan and stir-fried bamboo shoots with cured pork is 25 yuan; the portions are very generous. ⚠️ It's recommended to go to both scenic spots early in the morning, as the midday sun is intense, and climbing the steps will be hot and tiring. 08 Changde|Hunan Taohuayuan Scenic Area is about 40 kilometers from Changde city center. A taxi costs 50 yuan, or you can take a bus to the entrance. August isn't peach blossom season, but the scenic area is shaded by green trees, making it less hot and quieter than in spring. 📍 The main attractions are Qin Valley and Taoyuan Mountain; a combined ticket costs 80 yuan. Qin Valley recreates the village scene from "The Peach Blossom Spring," with rice paddies, waterwheels, and thatched cottages, perfect for a leisurely stroll. ⭐ For Taoyuan Mountain, it's recommended to take the scenic area's electric shuttle bus (10 yuan one way), which takes about 40 minutes to walk up. This saves energy for the view of the Yuanjiang River from the summit. 🍜 There's a Lei Cha (擂茶) shop at the scenic area entrance, 15 yuan a bowl, a Changde specialty, savory and fragrant, served with fried rice. ⚠️ Restaurants inside the scenic area are relatively expensive, so it's recommended to have lunch in the city before going in. Final Thoughts Of these 8 places, I personally prefer Honghe and Qilian Mountains the most. One has a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere, the other has vast open fields and starry skies. If you're traveling in August, remember to check the weather forecast beforehand; the temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is significant, and don't skimp on sunscreen at the beach. Which one are you planning to go to? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll help you avoid some pitfalls~ Where to go for budget travel in August? These 8 places are less crowded, beautiful, and inexpensive 01 Yingtan|Jiangxi 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Yingtan North Station. There are buses directly to the Longhushan Visitor Center from the station exit; the fare is 4 yuan, a taxi will cost about 40 yuan. Don't buy package tickets at the scenic area entrance; ask your guesthouse owner first, many guesthouses can help you book and save you tens of yuan. 📍 The core activity at Longhu Mountain is taking a bamboo raft to view the Danxia landforms. The entire trip takes about 1.5 hours. The first group to board at 8 am is the least crowded, as the mist on the water hasn't yet dissipated, and the mountains on both banks appear to emerge from an ink painting. After disembarking, head straight to the hanging coffin performance, which is held twice daily, at 10 am and 2 pm. If you arrive late, you'll have to stand in the back row. 🍜 For lunch, eat chestnut-braised chicken in Shangqing Ancient Town outside the scenic area. A small portion costs 35 yuan, enough for two people. Tianshi chestnuts are a local specialty; buying them loose is half the price of vacuum-packed ones. ⚠️ After 3 pm, the light is too harsh, making it easy to overexpose photos. It's recommended to enter the Elephant Trunk Hill boardwalk around 4 pm. It takes about half an hour to walk, and the steps aren't steep, so even elderly people can climb slowly. 02 Jining|Shandong If you only have one day, don't try to do too much. Choose either Qufu or Weishan Lake to visit. If you want to experience cultural heritage, choose Qufu; if you want to see waterscapes and lotus flowers, choose Weishan Lake. Trying to do both will only leave you exhausted and questioning your existence. 🚄 Get off at Qufu East Station and take a taxi to Ming Ancient City (about 15 minutes). A combined ticket for the Three Confucius Sites (Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansion, and Confucius Cemetery) costs 140 yuan, half price for students. ⚠️ The Confucius Temple and Confucius Mansion are separated by a street, a 5-minute walk. Don't take the rickshaws at the entrance; the starting price is 20 yuan, it's just a short walk. 🍜 After visiting the Three Confucius Sites, walk 200 meters east to Wumaci Street. A bowl of braised pork rice costs 12 yuan; the pork is stewed until tender and goes perfectly with rice. After 3 pm, the Confucius Forest is less crowded, with ancient cypress trees and the sound of cicadas—a much more pleasant walk than in the morning. Weishan Lake is better suited for driving. The lotus flowers are at their peak from late July to mid-August. A round trip by boat to the island in the center of the lake costs 60 yuan and takes 20 minutes. A fisherman's feast on the island costs 50 yuan per person. Stir-fried lotus root and fried lotus flowers are seasonal dishes, don't miss them. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes by the lake, wear long pants and bring mosquito repellent. 03 Honghe|Yunnan Yuanyang Rice Terraces and Jianshui Ancient City are not close, a 3-hour drive. It's recommended to spend two days and one night, staying in Jianshui. Explore the ancient city during the day, and hire a car to the rice terraces early the next morning to watch the sunrise. 📍 No entrance fee is required for Jianshui Ancient City; just enter directly. Chaoyang Tower is the landmark of the ancient city. Climb the tower at 6 pm; the sunset turns the bluestone pavement golden, perfect for photos. The Zhu Family Garden in the ancient city costs 50 yuan. Enter if you want to see the courtyard of a wealthy family in southern Yunnan; otherwise, taking a photo at the entrance is still worthwhile. 🌄 To watch the sunrise at Yuanyang Rice Terraces, arrive at the Duoyishu viewing platform before 6:30 am; otherwise, you'll only see crowds. The driver will be arranged a day in advance; a shared ride costs 80 yuan per person round trip. ⚠️ The terraced fields are at a high altitude, with temperatures only reaching 15 degrees Celsius in the morning, so bring a light jacket. 🍜 The grilled tofu in Jianshui is the soul of the place. The stall next to the Ximenban Well sells it for 50 cents a piece, grilled over charcoal until puffed up, and eaten with a dry dipping sauce. The Daban Well is right next door, so you can watch the locals drawing water – a truly immersive experience. 04 Haibei|Qinghai In the Qilian Mountains area, August is the tail end of the season when the grass is at its greenest and the rapeseed flowers haven't fully faded, making it ideal for self-driving or hiring a car. Starting from Xining, a chartered car costs 800 yuan per day; sharing with four people is the most cost-effective. 📍 Recommended route: First, go to Ami Dongsuo, also known as Niuxin Mountain. At the foot of the mountain is a grassland where cattle and sheep graze freely, with snow-capped peaks in the background – every photo is wallpaper-worthy. Next, head to the Heihe Grand Canyon. It's windy inside; the walk along the boardwalk takes about 40 minutes. Don't wear a skirt, or you'll be blown around like crazy. ⚠️ Lenglongling looks close, but it's a long drive. If you're short on time, just admire it from afar; don't rush. The best time to photograph the Qilian Mountains is from 5 pm to 7 pm, when the light shines obliquely on the grassland, creating a beautiful sense of depth. 🏠 For accommodation, choose Qilian County. A standard room costs around 150 yuan, and you can see a sky full of stars at night. The yak yogurt in the county is worth trying; it's 10 yuan a bowl, so sour it'll make you wince, but adding two spoonfuls of sugar is just right. 05 Sanming|Fujian Taining Ancient City and Dajin Lake are close together and can be visited on the same day. Take a lake tour in the morning and explore the ancient city in the afternoon – a perfect pace. ⏰ Dajin Lake boat tours depart twice daily at 9 am and 10 am, taking about 3 hours. A combined boat ticket and entrance ticket costs 160 yuan. The boat offers commentary, but the signal is practically nonexistent in the middle of the lake, so download an offline map beforehand. ⚠️ It's recommended to choose a window seat on the boat, as the wind on the lake is strong, and the seats on the deck are unbearably hot. In the afternoon, return to Taining Ancient City. The ancient city itself is free, but the Shangshu Mansion ancient building complex requires an entrance fee of 30 yuan. The most relaxing way to explore the ancient city is to wander into the alleyways, where the cobblestone streets are lined with old Ming and Qing dynasty houses, with little commercialization. 🍜 In the evening, have a bowl of "Jade Rolls" at the entrance of the ancient city. These are thin pancakes filled with various fillings, costing 8 yuan a serving. The filling includes dried bamboo shoots and minced meat, and is very fragrant. 06 Sanya|Hainan Don't assume Sanya is expensive just because it's mentioned. August is the off-season, so airfare and hotels are much cheaper. To save money, stay in Dadonghai instead of Yalong Bay. Sea view rooms are just over 200 yuan a night, and a taxi ride to the city center for seafood costs only around ten yuan. 📍 Wuzhizhou Island entrance fee plus boat ticket: 144 yuan. After arriving on the island, don't rush to queue for the electric cart. First, walk to your right; there's a free beach boardwalk with fewer people and clear views of the coral reefs. ⚠️ Drinking water is expensive on the island, so bring two bottles. Many people say Tianya Haijiao (End of the Earth) is boring, but going in the evening is a completely different experience. After 5:30 pm, the light softens, the rocks on the beach are bathed in gold by the sunset, and the crowds have thinned out, making for a very pleasant stroll. The entrance fee is 68 yuan, well worth it. 🌊 Choose either Xiaodongtian (Small and Large Caves) or Yalong Bay. Yalong Bay beach is free, with fine sand, perfect for lounging for an afternoon. Xiaodongtian entrance fee is 90 yuan, mainly for viewing the reefs and Taoist culture. If you're not particularly interested, save that money for a delicious Qingbuliang (a type of sweet soup). 07 Laibin|Guangxi The Dayao Mountains area is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Jinxiu Lianhua Mountain and Panwangjie are not far apart and can be visited in a day, but it's quite physically demanding, so non-slip shoes are recommended. 📍 Lianhua Mountain is mainly characterized by Danxia landforms. The boardwalk is built along the cliff edge, and a complete loop takes about 2 hours. There's a section with nearly 90-degree stairs; those afraid of heights should stay on the inner side. The view from the summit is expansive, offering a panoramic view of Jinxiu County. Panwangjie is more culturally focused, with a Yao ethnic village within the scenic area. There are free song and dance performances in the afternoon. 🍜 At the Yao restaurants at the foot of the mountain, bamboo rice costs 15 yuan, and stir-fried bamboo shoots with cured pork costs 25 yuan—the portions are very generous. ⚠️ It's recommended to visit both scenic areas early in the morning, as the midday sun is intense, and climbing the stairs will be hot and tiring. 08 Changde|Hunan Taohuayuan Scenic Area is about 40 kilometers from Changde city center. A taxi costs 50 yuan, or you can take a bus to the scenic area entrance. August isn't peach blossom season, but the scenic area is shaded by lush trees, making it less sunny and quieter than in spring. 📍 The main attractions are Qin Valley and Taoyuan Mountain, a combined ticket costs 80 yuan. Qin Valley recreates the village scene from "The Peach Blossom Spring," complete with rice paddies, waterwheels, and thatched cottages, perfect for a leisurely stroll. ⭐ For Taoyuan Mountain, it's recommended to take the park's electric shuttle bus (10 yuan one way, 40 minutes on foot), saving energy for the Yuanjiang River views from the summit. 🍜 There's a Lei Cha (擂茶) shop at the entrance, 15 yuan a bowl, a Changde specialty, savory and fragrant, served with fried rice. ⚠️ Restaurants inside the scenic area are relatively expensive; it's advisable to have lunch in the city before entering. Final Thoughts: Of these 8 places, I personally prefer Honghe and Qilian Mountains the most—one with its human touch, the other with its vast wilderness and starry sky. Going out in August? Remember to check the weather forecast beforehand. The temperature difference between day and night is significant in the mountains, and don't skimp on sunscreen at the beach. Which destination are you planning to go to? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll help you avoid some pitfalls!

Wuyi Mountains boast stunning scenery and high playability, making them perfect for an in-depth tour. Here is a curated travel guide—save it for your trip! 🗺️ Itinerary: Day 1: Nine-Bend Stream bamboo rafting (can ascend Tianyou Peak) → Impression Da-Hong-Pao Theater → Wuyi Palace Scenic Area (Song Street, Tea Cave) Day 2: One-Line Sky → Huxiaoyan (Dingming Bridge, Wind Cave) → Da-Hong-Pao Mother Trees → Yulin Pavilion Kiln Site → Wuyi Palace (Intangible Cultural Heritage performances) Day 3: Baiyun Temple/Huiyuan Temple → Lotus Peak/Tiancheng Temple → Zhizhi Nunnery/Yanxia Pavilion → Yunwo/Jade Maiden Peak → Wuyi Palace (Southern Song Dynasty Cultural Park) 🏞️ Must-visit attractions: 🛶 Nine-Bend Stream bamboo rafting: The boatman will explain the route, allowing you to experience the beauty of the landscape up close. Remember to book in advance (CNY 145/person). 🎭 Impression Da-Hong-Pao Theater: A large-scale live-action performance set against the backdrop of Wuyi tea culture, offering stunning visuals. Standard seat CNY 188/person, VIP seat CNY 298/person. 📖 Wuyi Palace Scenic Area: Tea art performances on Song Street, and tea sold in the Tea Cave. 🧱 One-Line Sky: The entire route requires walking on stairs, with narrow sections allowing only one person to pass at a time. Wearing non-slip shoes is recommended. 🦊 Huxiaoyan: Listen for the "tiger's roar" on Dingming Bridge; the Wind Cave is cool and pleasant. 🍃 Yulin Pavilion Kiln Site: Learn about Song Dynasty porcelain firing techniques. 🛕 Baiyun Temple/Huiyuan Temple: A tranquil environment, perfect for praying for blessings. 🗿 Lotus Peak/Tiancheng Temple: Overlook the panoramic view of the Nine-Bend Stream. 🏞️ Yunwo/Jade Maiden Peak: Great for photos, offering views of Wuyi Mountains' iconic landscapes. 🍵 Southern Song Dynasty Cultural Park: Learn about the history and tea culture of Wuyi Mountains. 🏨 Hotel recommendations: 🍽️ Food recommendations: ⚠️ Transportation guide: ✈️ Airport transport: Choose Sanming Shaxian Airport or Fuzhou Changle Airport; the drive from the airport to Wuyishan city center is about 30 mins. ✈️ High-speed rail station transport: Choose Nanping North Station or Jian'ou West Station; the drive from the station to Wuyishan city center is about 1 hour. ✈️ City transport: Chartered car service is recommended (CNY 300/day) or take the scenic area shuttle bus (CNY 10/person). ✈️ Self-driving parking: There are parking lots in the scenic area with ample spaces. ✈️ Public transport: Take the scenic area express bus from Wuyishan Bus Station (CNY 2/person) to reach the scenic area entrance directly. ✈️ Taxi fares: Taxis are convenient within the scenic area, with a starting fare of CNY 6 (includes 2 km). ✈️ Attraction transport: You must go to the pier for the Nine-Bend Stream bamboo rafting; there is a cable car for One-Line Sky; other attractions are accessible on foot. ✈️ Accommodation advice: It is recommended to stay in the city center (close to attractions, convenient transport) or in the resort area (comfortable environment, close to the scenic area). ✈️ Trip planning: Plan your route in advance to avoid a tight schedule that might cause you to miss attractions; arrange your sightseeing time reasonably to avoid exhaustion from overexertion; pay attention to sun protection and mosquito repellent measures. ✈️ Accommodation recommendations: It is recommended to stay in the city center or near the resort area for convenient travel; book hotels in advance to avoid unavailability during peak season; choose hotels with good reputations (such as Hanting, 7 Days Inn, Home Inn, etc.) or guesthouses (such as youth hostels, inns, etc.); booking hotels with breakfast included is recommended; remember to check hotel reviews and location maps

🌿 [Suzhou Jiangnan Botanical Garden] Everyone is asking about this! This "Wizard of Oz" hidden gem, 99% of people don't know about it! 🌿 Hey everyone! I swear! This is definitely the most amazing treasure spot I've discovered in Suzhou! 😱 It's not the Humble Administrator's Garden, not Tiger Hill, but this "Jiangnan Botanical Garden" hidden on the edge of the city—it's as beautiful as summer in a Hayao Miyazaki animation, and it's so empty you can have the whole forest to yourself! 🌳 The key is, the admission ticket is only CNY 20! CNY 20! The price of a milk tea can get you a whole day of "forest bathing," this value is amazing! 💥 🌟 Why must you go? Because it's so "healing"! 1. A real-life "Wizard of Oz," no filters needed for photos! 📸 As soon as you enter, your eyes are filled with that vibrant, lush green! 🌿 The tall dawn redwood forest looks like giant umbrellas, sunlight filters through the leaves, light spots fall on your face, and every shot looks like a movie scene! 🎬 Especially that "Misty Forest" path, the timed water mist makes you feel like you've walked into a fairyland, so ethereal~ Everyone, wear a white dress! It's definitely photogenic! 👗 2. An "encyclopedia" of the plant world, great for kids to learn! 🧒 This isn't just an ordinary garden, it's a proper botanical garden! 🌱 There's a tropical rainforest pavilion, desert plant pavilion, aquatic plant area... there are hundreds of types of cacti alone! 🌵 Kids can learn about plants while playing, it's ten thousand times more vivid than a textbook! Plus, every area has detailed educational signs, even a "plant killer" like me found it fascinating~ 📖 3. A top-tier camping spot, free! ⛺ Key point! There's a huge lawn in the botanical garden where you can set up a tent for free! 🏕️ On the weekend, bring a picnic mat, snacks, and a kite, and the whole family can lie down, soak up the sun, and watch the clouds roll by—it's just so cozy! ☁️ Plus, there's a dedicated barbecue area (requires advance booking), and you can even watch the stars at night! ✨ Who understands this joy of "escaping the city"! 🗺️ Ultimate guide: How to have the best time? 📍 Address: Jiangnan Botanical Garden, Wuzhong District, Suzhou (search directly in navigation) 🚗 Transportation: Driving is recommended, there's a huge parking lot (free! free! free! Important things said three times!) 🎫 Admission ticket: CNY 20/person (half price with student ID!) ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (recommended to go in the morning, fewer people and better light) 📌 Must-visit route: Misty Forest (9:00 AM–10:00 AM, mist is thickest) > 2. Tropical rainforest pavilion (experience the joy of getting "wet") > 3. Desert plant pavilion (take exotic blockbuster photos) > 4. Aquatic plant area (see water lilies and lotus flowers) > 5. Large lawn (picnic + kite flying) 🍱 Food recommendations: There's only a small shop inside, so it's recommended to bring your own food! 🥪 We recommend bringing sandwiches, fruit, and sparkling water for a super ritualistic picnic on the lawn! 🍓 If you want something hot, there's a "Suzhou-style noodle shop" at the entrance, with freshly stir-fried toppings, and the taste is authentic! 🍜 💡 Tips & advice Mosquito protection! Mosquito protection! Mosquito protection! 🦟 There are many mosquitoes where there are many plants, remember to bring mosquito repellent! Wear comfortable shoes 👟 The park is huge, you'll walk at least 10,000 steps, don't wear high heels! Bring a jacket 🧥 The indoor pavilions have strong air conditioning, there's a big temperature difference, be careful not to catch a cold. Avoid weekend afternoons 🚫 It's crowded on weekend afternoons, it's recommended to go on weekdays or in the morning. Hidden surprise 🥚 There's a "plant craft workshop" in the park where you can experience making plant specimens for free (limited-time event, ask staff before going). 💬 Finally, I want to say... Actually, we are always looking for "faraway places" but ignore the beauty around us. 🌍 Suzhou Jiangnan Botanical Garden is not an internet-famous spot, it's not noisy, it's like a quiet "oasis" waiting for you to discover. 🌿 Here, you can temporarily forget about KPIs, mortgages, and all your worries, and just be that child who loves to laugh and loves nature again. 👧 So, don't hesitate! Find a weekend, bring your family or friends, and go for a "forest" breath! 🌳 Believe me, you will fall in love with this "slow life." 💚 💡 Interaction time: Which "amazing" hidden gem parks have you been to? Share with me in the comments, and I'll check them out next time! 👇 Or, do you have any other questions about Suzhou? Ask away, I'll tell you everything I know! 💬 📌 Remember to like + save + follow, I'll help you unlock more niche travel destinations!

Travel off-peak in September! These 8️⃣ places are less crowded and more beautiful; visiting even half of them is worthwhile. 1️⃣ Hulunbuir City | Inner Mongolia In September, the grass tips in Hulunbuir are starting to turn yellow, but they're not yet withered. Departing from Hailar at 7 am, driving north into the vast grasslands, you'll see endless fields of neatly rolled hay bales scattered across the undulating slopes, like giant popcorn. 📍 The Morigele River section is the best place to stop. Standing atop the slope, watching the river meander, the air is filled with the intoxicating smell of grass seeds and cow dung. ⏰ Before noon, the light is harshest, making it easy to squint when taking portraits. It's recommended to stop at a herder's home for a bowl of milk tea and a rest. After 3 pm, the light softens, and you can drive deeper into the grasslands, where the layers of grass against the backlight fully emerge. ⚠️ Don't drive into grasslands unnecessarily. Many grasslands have wire fences, and you'll have to pay for damaging the grass. Stick to paved or dirt roads. Mosquitoes are much less prevalent in September, but the temperature difference between day and night can exceed 10 degrees Celsius, so a light down jacket is a must. 2️⃣ Baoji City | Shaanxi Baoji is a good place to split your trip between Taibai Mountain and Famen Temple into two days. Don't cram them into one day, or your legs will give out. Dedicate your first day to Taibai Mountain. 🚄 Take the tourist bus from Baoji South Station to Tangyu Town, which takes about an hour and a half. Snow has already started falling on the summit in September. Take the cable car to Tianyuan Difang, and then climb for another half hour to reach the 3511-meter altitude marker. The air on the mountain is thin and sweet, but the steps are incredibly steep. If you have knee problems, skip the summit attempt; just watching the sea of ​​clouds near the cable car station is worthwhile. Visit Famen Temple on the second morning. The square in front of the He Shi Relic Pagoda is so large you could ride a horse there, but the September sun is still intense, so avoid standing in the sun. The real must-see is the Tang Dynasty artifacts unearthed from the underground palace; a long row of gold bowls and silver plates, their craftsmanship so exquisite you'd want to travel back in time to learn the craft. Allocate two hours in the afternoon to Guanshan Grassland. Actually, you don't need to enter the scenic area; the grassy slopes along the outer scenic route are beautiful enough. You can negotiate a horseback ride for around 50 yuan per loop. ⚠️ The Dongshan section of the road often experiences crosswinds in September, so don't drive too fast. 3️⃣ Tianshui City | Gansu Tianshui is the kind of place where you'll regret not coming sooner. The Maijishan Grottoes have half the number of tourists in September compared to July and August. Rush in as soon as it opens at 8:30 am, and slowly explore along the elevated walkway. The expressions of the clay Buddha statues are incredibly lifelike up close, with subtle smiles on their lips. ⏰ Before 10 AM, the sunlight shines obliquely into the caves, making the painted colors on the Buddha statues' faces most vibrant. After 11 AM, they turn pale. In the afternoon, visit Wushan Water Curtain Cave. The name sounds refreshing, but it's actually a group of grottoes built into red sandstone walls. The walkways are even scarier than Maijishan Grottoes; those with a fear of heights should just look from below. If you still have energy, go to Fuxi Temple in the evening. 📍 Sit under the ancient Tang Dynasty locust tree in front of the temple and watch the local old men play chess—more interesting than browsing any souvenir shop. 🍜 In the evening, find a random noodle shop on Jiefang Road and order a bowl of Tianshui Guagua. It's buckwheat jelly topped with chili oil—sour and spicy—five yuan a bowl. I wanted to take some home. 4️⃣ Yangjiang City|Guangdong Going to Yangjiang in September is all about the sea, but avoid the overcrowded, paid beaches. 📍 Hailing Island's Dajiaowan Maritime Silk Road Tourist Area is perfect for swimming and playing in the sand. The beach is fine and white, and the waves are gentle, making it a great place to spend a morning with children. However, if you want to see real sea views, walk along the unpaved paths on the south coast of the island and look for small bays where rocks and sand intersect. There are so few people there that you can hear the waves crashing against the rocks. ⏰ Between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM, the light is gentlest. Walking barefoot on the beach after the tide has receded, you can find small crabs and colorful seashells. ⚠️ At Dajiaowan, there are people offering to take you on jet ski rides. They'll ask for 120 yuan, but you can try to bargain down to 50. If they don't sell, just leave; they'll chase after you and call you back. The seawater is still warm in September, so it's not cold to swim in, but you must apply enough sunscreen. The UV rays at the beach are misleading; you can get sunburned even on a cloudy day. 5️⃣ Turpan City | Xinjiang In Turpan, the days are still hot in September, but it's not as scorching as it is in July and August. Arrive at the Flaming Mountains before 9 AM. At this time, the scenic area is less crowded, and the reddish-brown mountains look like glowing iron blocks in the morning light. Standing at the foot of the mountains, you can feel the heat rising from the ground, but at least you won't get heatstroke. 📍 Just glance at the huge thermometer at the entrance; don't waste money on a donkey cart ride—it's only a ten-minute walk inside. In the afternoon, head to the Kumtag Desert, less than an hour's drive from Turpan city. ⚠️ The worst thing about the desert is sandboarding. The ones rented at the scenic area are expensive and not very good; it's better to bring your own cardboard. Climbing to the top of a dune and rolling down, the sand is so fine it's like flour; it gets so full of sand that it's difficult to get it out of your shoes. Sunset in September is around 8:30 PM. Sitting on a sand ridge watching the sun sink behind the dunes, turning the entire desert golden-red, makes the daytime heat feel worthwhile. 🍜 Went back to the city for grapes in the evening. Seedless white grapes are at their sweetest in September, only three yuan a kilogram, and we ate until our mouths were sore. 6️⃣ Sanming City|Fujian Sanming is a place perfect for those who aren't in a rush, taking their time to explore. The boat tour on Dajin Lake departs at 10 am, lasting two hours. Sitting at the stern, we admired the Danxia landforms on both banks—red cliffs against green lake water—and the September breeze already carried a chill. 📍 The boat stops at Ganlu Rock Temple, a temple nestled in a crevice of the rock face, supported by a single pillar. Seeing it makes you marvel at the audacity of the ancients. In the afternoon, we went to Taining Ancient City. To be honest, the newly built imitation ancient streets in the city weren't very interesting, but deep in the alleys, sections of old city walls and old houses remained, the blue bricks covered in moss, cool to the touch. ⏰ Around 5 PM, most tourists have left, and Shangshu Lane quiets down. Walking slowly at this time, you can smell the old wood. 🍜 Have a bowl of warm mushroom buns at that unassuming little shop near the ancient city gate. The wrappers are made of cudweed and glutinous rice, filled with dried bamboo shoots and meat. Steamed, they're a vibrant green, and cost three yuan each. I could easily eat four in one go. 7️⃣ Heihe City|Heilongjiang Province September in Heihe is already getting cold, but it's the best time to see Wudalianchi. The water in the volcanic barrier lakes becomes exceptionally clear in autumn. 📍 Coming down from Yaoquan Mountain, walk along the boardwalk to the edge of the three pools; the water's color gradually changes from blue-green to deep blue, like a giant piece of jade. ⚠️ Temperatures may drop below 10 degrees Celsius in the mornings and evenings, so be sure to wear long underwear. Don't try to brave the cold. The most worthwhile attraction in Wudalianchi is the volcanic crater. Climbing the stone steps to the top of Nangelaqiu Mountain, you can see the complete crater, filled with birch forests. In September, the leaves are just beginning to turn yellow, making it look like a golden-green bonsai from above. ⏰ The light is most beautiful after 2:30 PM, with the setting sun casting long shadows on the volcanic rocks. 🍜 After descending the mountain, buy a bag of mineral-fed tofu at the scenic area entrance. Made with volcanic mineral water, the tofu has a particularly rich bean flavor; a little chili oil is enough to make you want to eat three bowls of rice. 🚄 It's about an hour's drive from Heihe city, and the scenery along the way is also quite nice, so don't just sleep. 8️⃣ Wanning City|Hainan Wanning and Sanya have completely different vibes. Sanya is for tourists, while Wanning is for those who enjoy the sea. 📍 The water in Shimei Bay is bluer than in Sanya. In September, after the typhoon season, the sea is as calm as silk. Arrive before 9 AM, and you might be the only person on the entire beach. Walk on the fine sand, leaving a trail of footprints behind you, which the tide will quickly wash away. Riyue Bay is better for surfing. September's waves are moderate, perfect for beginners. ⚠️ Don't rush to rent a board. Find an instructor for two hours; it's around 300 RMB including the board, much better than struggling on your own. ⏰ 4 PM to 6 PM is the best time for surfing. The waves are calm, and the sun isn't too strong. After surfing, don't rush off. Find a coconut tree on the shore, relax with an iced coconut, and watch the sunset paint the sea orange. 🍜 In the evening, go to Xinglong Town for some Southeast Asian cuisine. The curry crab and seven-layer cake are both good; you can eat your fill for about 50 RMB per person. Hotel prices in Hainan in September are more than half the price of winter, offering excellent value. Visiting these eight places in September allows you to catch the peak season when the crowds have thinned and the scenery is at its best. The grass in Hulunbuir is perfectly golden, the grapes in Turpan are perfectly sweet, and the waves in Wanning are perfectly gentle. What you missed last September, you should make up for this year. Let's chat in the comments: which one do you most want to visit? September off-peak travel: these 8️⃣ places are less crowded and have beautiful scenery; visiting even half of them is worthwhile. 1️⃣ Hulunbuir City | Inner Mongolia In September, the tips of the grass in Hulunbuir are starting to turn yellow, but they haven't withered yet. Departing from Hailar at 7 am, driving north into the vast grasslands, outside the car window are vast expanses of neatly rolled hay bales, round and scattered across the undulating slopes, like giant popcorn. 📍 The Morigele River section is the best place to stop. Standing on the hilltop watching the river meander, the wind carries the intoxicating smell of grass seeds and cow dung. ⏰ The light is harshest before noon, making it easy to squint when taking portraits. It's recommended to stop by a herder's home for a bowl of milk tea and a rest. After 3 PM, the light softens, allowing you to drive deeper into the grasslands where the layers of grass against the backlight become fully visible. ⚠️ Don't drive into the grasslands carelessly. Many grasslands have barbed wire fences, and you'll have to pay for damaging the turf. Stick to paved or dirt roads. Mosquitoes are much less prevalent in September, but the temperature difference between day and night can exceed 10 degrees Celsius, so a light down jacket is essential. 2️⃣ Baoji City | Shaanxi Baoji is best visited on separate days, splitting Taibai Mountain and Famen Temple into two separate trips. Don't cram them into one day, or your legs will be exhausted. Dedicate your first day to Taibai Mountain. 🚄 Take the tourist bus from Baoji South Station to Tangyu Town, which takes about an hour and a half. Snow has already started falling on the summit in September. Take the cable car to Tianyuan Difang, and then climb for another half hour to reach the 3511-meter altitude marker. The air on the mountain is so thin it tastes sweet, but the steps are also incredibly steep. Those with bad knees should skip the summit; just watching the sea of ​​clouds near the cable car station is worthwhile. Save your visit to Famen Temple for the second morning. 📍 The square in front of the He Shi Relic Pagoda is huge enough to run horses in, but the September sun is still scorching, so don't try to brave it in the sun. The real must-see is the Tang Dynasty artifacts unearthed from the underground palace—a long row of gold bowls and silver plates, their craftsmanship so exquisite you'd want to travel back in time to learn the craft. Allocate two hours in the afternoon to Guanshan Grassland. Actually, you don't need to enter the scenic area; the grassy slopes along the outer scenic route are beautiful enough. You can negotiate a horseback ride for around 50 yuan per loop. ⚠️ The Dongshan section of the road often experiences crosswinds in September, so don't drive too fast. 3️⃣ Tianshui City|Gansu Tianshui is the kind of place you'll go to and wonder, "Why didn't I come sooner?" The number of tourists at Maijishan Grottoes in September was half that of July and August. I rushed in as soon as it opened at 8:30 am, slowly exploring along the elevated walkways. The expressions of the clay Buddha statues were particularly lifelike up close, with subtle smiles playing on their lips. ⏰ Before 10 am, the sunlight slanted into the caves, making the painted colors on the Buddha statues' faces most vibrant. After 11 am, they turned pale. In the afternoon, I went to Wushan Water Curtain Cave. The name sounds refreshing, but it's actually a group of grottoes built into the red sandstone walls. The walkways are even more terrifying than those at Maijishan; those with a fear of heights should just look from below. If you still have energy, in the evening, visit Fuxi Temple. 📍 Sit under the ancient Tang Dynasty locust tree in front of the temple and watch the local old men play chess—it's more interesting than browsing any souvenir shop. 🍜 In the evening, I randomly picked a noodle shop on Jiefang Road and ordered a bowl of Tianshui Guagua, a cold buckwheat noodle dish topped with chili oil—sour and spicy, only five yuan a bowl. I even wanted to take some home. 4️⃣ Yangjiang City|Guangdong I went to Yangjiang in September specifically for the sea, but avoid the overcrowded, paid beaches. 📍 Dajiaowan Maritime Silk Road Tourist Area on Hailing Island is perfect for swimming and playing in the sand. The sand is fine and white, and the waves are gentle. Families with children can easily spend a morning there. But if you want to see real sea views, walk along the unpaved paths on the south coast of the island and find those small bays where rocks and sand meet. There are so few people that you can hear the waves crashing against the rocks. ⏰ Between 5:30 pm and 7 pm, the light is softest. Walking barefoot on the sand after the tide has gone out, you can find small crabs and colorful seashells. ⚠️ At Dajiaowan Bay, there are people offering to take you on jet ski rides. They'll ask for 120 yuan, try to bargain down to 50, and if they don't sell, just leave. They'll chase after you and call you back in a bit. The seawater is still warm in September, not cold to swim in, but make sure to apply enough sunscreen. The UV rays at the beach are misleading; you can get sunburned even on a cloudy day. 5️⃣ Turpan City | Xinjiang Turpan is still hot during the day in September, but it's not as scorching as it is in July and August. You must arrive at the Flaming Mountains before 9 am. At that time, the scenic area is less crowded, and the reddish-brown mountains look like red-hot iron blocks in the morning light. Standing at the foot of the mountains, you can feel the heat rising from the ground, but at least you won't get heatstroke. 📍 Just glance at the huge thermometer at the entrance of the scenic area; don't waste money taking a donkey cart. It's only a ten-minute walk inside. In the afternoon, go to the Kumtag Desert, less than an hour's drive from Turpan city. ⚠️ The worst thing about the desert is sandboarding. The ones rented at the scenic spots are expensive and not very good; it's better to bring your own cardboard. Climbing to the top of a dune and rolling down, the sand is so fine it's like flour; it gets so full of sand that it's difficult to get it out. In September, the sunset is around 8:30 pm. Sitting on a sand ridge watching the sun sink behind the dunes, the entire desert turns golden red—at that moment, you'll feel that the scorching sun of the day was worth it. 🍜 In the evening, go back to the city to eat grapes. Seedless white grapes are at their sweetest in September, only three yuan a kilogram—you can eat until your mouth is sore. 6️⃣ Sanming City|Fujian Sanming is a place perfect for those who aren't in a rush, taking their time to explore. The boat tour on Dajin Lake departs at 10 am, lasting two hours. Sitting at the stern, you can admire the Danxia landforms on both banks—red cliffs and green lake water—and the September breeze already carries a chill. 📍 The boat will stop at Ganlu Rock Temple, a temple nestled in a crevice of the rock wall, with a single pillar supporting the entire structure. Seeing it makes you marvel at the audacity of the ancients. In the afternoon, we went to Taining Ancient City. To be honest, the newly built imitation ancient streets in the ancient city weren't very interesting, but deep in the alleys, there are still sections of old city walls and old houses, their blue bricks covered in moss and cool to the touch. ⏰ Around 5 pm, most tourists have left, and the entire Shangshu Alley becomes quiet. Walking slowly at this time, you can smell the old wood. 🍜 At the unassuming little shop at the entrance of the ancient city, we ate a bowl of warm mushroom buns. The wrappers are made of cudweed and glutinous rice, filled with dried bamboo shoots and meat. Steamed, they're a vibrant green, costing three yuan each, and I could easily eat four in one go. 7️⃣ Heihe City|Heilongjiang September in Heihe is already getting cold, but it's the best time to see Wudalianchi. The water in the volcanic barrier lake becomes exceptionally clear in autumn. 📍 Descending from Yaoquan Mountain, walk along the boardwalk to the edge of the three pools; the water's color gradually changes from blue-green to deep blue, resembling a giant piece of jade. ⚠️ Temperatures may drop below 10 degrees Celsius in the mornings and evenings, so be sure to wear thermal underwear. Don't try to brave the elements. The most worthwhile attraction in Wudalianchi is the crater. Climb the stone steps to the top of Nangelaqiu Mountain to see the complete crater, filled with birch forests. In September, the leaves are just beginning to turn yellow, resembling a golden-green bonsai from above. ⏰ The light is most beautiful after 2:30 PM, with the setting sun casting long shadows on the volcanic rocks. 🍜 After descending the mountain, buy a bag of mineral-rich tofu at the scenic area entrance. Made with volcanic mineral water, the tofu has a particularly rich bean flavor; a little chili oil is enough to make you want to eat three bowls of rice. 🚄 It's about an hour's drive from Heihe city; the scenery along the way is also quite nice, so don't just sleep. 8️⃣ Wanning City | Hainan Wanning and Sanya have completely different vibes. Sanya is for tourists, Wanning is for beach lovers. 📍 The water at Shimei Bay is bluer than in Sanya. In September, after the typhoon season, the sea is as calm as silk. Arrive before 9 am, and you might be the only person on the beach. Walk on the fine sand, leaving a trail of footprints behind you, which are quickly smoothed out by the rising tide. Riyue Bay is better for surfing. In September, the waves are moderate, perfect for beginners. ⚠️ Don't rush to rent a board when you arrive. Find an instructor for two hours; it costs around 300 yuan including the board, much better than struggling on your own. ⏰ The best time to surf is from 4 pm to 6 pm. The waves are calm, and the sun isn't too strong. After surfing, don't rush off. Find a coconut tree on the shore, lie down, drink an iced coconut, and watch the sunset paint the sea orange. 🍜 In the evening, we went to Xinglong Town for some Southeast Asian cuisine. The curry crab and seven-layer cake were both delicious, and we ate until we were stuffed for about 50 yuan per person. Hotel prices in Hainan in September are more than half the price of those in winter, making it incredibly cost-effective. These eight places are perfect for visiting in September, when the crowds have thinned and the scenery is at its best. The grass in Hulunbuir is perfectly golden, the grapes in Turpan are perfectly sweet, and the waves in Wanning are perfectly gentle. If you missed it last September, now's the time to make up for it. Let's chat in the comments: which one do you most want to visit?

Don't plan this route by attraction checklist. Choose based on 5 types of experiences to save energy: Danxia landforms at the Global Geopark, boat tours on Jinhu Lake, evenings in Taining Ancient Town, forest wellness in Jiangle, and museums for rainy days. For a 2–3 day trip using public transport and short transfers, there's no need to cram Sanming, Taining, and Jiangle into every day. Category 1: Global Geopark. At Taining Geopark, focus on the red cliffs, canyon bends, and water reflections. Skip the high climbs and long loop trails; prioritize viewing platforms, canyon entrances, or short walking paths. If traveling with children or older adults, plan only 1 main scenic area per day and spend the rest of the time resting in town. Category 2: Jinhu Lake sightseeing. The value here is seeing Danxia while seated, which is easier than constant climbing. Make the boat tour your core half-day activity, followed by a leisurely stroll on the flat streets of Taining Ancient Town. Confirm boat schedules, boarding points, and the weather before you leave, and don't schedule your transfers too tightly. Category 3: Taining Ancient Town. Take your time exploring the old streets, traditional houses, and alleys, especially in the softer evening light. It's more convenient to stay near the ancient town; visit the geopark in the morning, then return to town in the afternoon for tea and local snacks. If you're feeling tired, skip the distant spots and spend the time walking around the town instead. Category 4: Forest wellness in Jiangle. Plan this as a low-intensity half-day activity. Choose areas with forest trails, streamside paths, or rest stops. Walk a short distance and stop; don't feel pressured to finish the whole trail. Save Jiangle for the latter part of your trip to end with the tranquility of the forest. Short transfers are more important than frequent connections. Category 5: Rainy day museum route. When it rains, don't force a trip to the lake for distant views. Switch to the Sanming City Museum or Taining's geological and local culture exhibitions. Choose 1 location close to the station or your accommodation, then stay indoors to rest. Always check official information for opening hours, reservations, and temporary exhibitions before you leave; don't lock in plans if details are unknown. For public transport, use a 1 base + 1 short transfer strategy: on your arrival day, stock up in Sanming or Taining. Focus your main days on Taining, then decide if you have time to add Jiangle at the end. Don't move your luggage repeatedly just to visit all 3 cities. Check inter-county schedules, scenic area transfers, and return connections in advance for your daily itinerary. From October 2026–March 2027, spend your days outdoors and your mornings/evenings in the ancient town or indoors. When photographing Danxia water views in autumn and winter, prioritize viewing sections where you can sit down. Prepare non-slip shoes and lightweight rain gear for rainy days. Couples can alternate between relaxed and active schedules for Jinhu Lake and the ancient town; families should include nap times, and older travelers can treat long walking trails as optional. The choices in this list are clear: to see Danxia, you don't need to walk every mountain trail; to see the small towns, you don't need to keep changing hotels. For a 2-day trip, stick to Taining's Jinhu Lake + Ancient Town. For 3 days, add the Jiangle forest or a rainy day museum visit. If you want to avoid popular coastal routes while ensuring everyone in your group can keep up, just pick 3 out of these 5 categories.

The biggest fear when traveling during National Day is the crowds, but staying home feels like a waste of the 8-day holiday. I've selected 8 places that are either beautiful and uncrowded or offer a relaxing experience. Without further ado, let's get straight to the tips. 1️⃣ Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture | Xinjiang Don't just focus on Kanas in Northern Xinjiang during autumn; the autumn colors of the Ili River Valley are truly understated luxury. I suggest making Gongnaisi Grassland your first stop. It's not as famous as Nalati, but the grasslands are golden, and watching herdsmen slowly drive their sheep is like a scene straight out of a Windows desktop wallpaper. 📍The lines of the "human body grassland" in Kalajun are most visible after 4:00 PM. When the sunlight hits at an angle, the rolling grassy slopes shine like satin. Don't go at noon; the light is too harsh and makes photos look flat. Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley only blooms in spring. Visiting during National Day means seeing hills covered in yellow leaves and wild fruits, but you won't have to fight for a photo spot, making it perfect for a quiet stroll. 🚄It takes 2 hours one way to charter a car from Yining city. The road conditions are good, but don't be greedy and try to visit 3 grasslands in 1 day; your legs and eyes will get tired. For accommodation, choose the area around Tekes Bagua City for convenient dining and lodging, and you can explore the night market in the evening. 2️⃣ Sanming | Fujian If you don't want to hike or trek, Sanming is a city for "slow strolling." You need to take a boat to explore Dajin Lake. The whole trip takes about 3 hours, and the boat stops at 3 islands. Ganlu Temple is built into a crevice in the cliff, and the stairs are so narrow that only 1 person can pass at a time—it's fun to climb using both hands and feet. ⚠️Boat tickets are divided into morning and afternoon sessions. No boats depart after 2:00 PM, so don't oversleep. Taining Ancient City is smaller than you'd imagine; 2 hours is enough to walk through it. The wood carvings in the Shangshu Mansion are worth staring at for 5 minutes—the details are dizzyingly intricate. 🍜The Nuangu buns at the entrance of the ancient city are only sold until 6:00 PM. Bamboo shoots and meat filling are wrapped in green glutinous rice skin. They are piping hot when you bite into them. Buy 2, as more might be too greasy. You don't need to stay inside the scenic area; it's just a base fare for a taxi from the county town to the ancient city, and it's clean and cheap. 3️⃣ Zhoushan | Zhejiang If you want to see the sea but are afraid of crowds, the Zhoushan Islands can offer you a quiet spot. Putuo Mountain is famous, but there are many pilgrims during the National Day holiday. If you are taking elderly people, remember to book boat tickets and admission tickets online in advance, or you might end up waiting in line for an eternity. I recommend spending a day on Gouqi Island instead. It takes about 4 hours by boat from Shenjiamen Pier. Grab your tickets 3 days in advance, or you'll be stuck standing on the deck in the wind. Dawang Beach on the island isn't huge, but it's great because it's uncrowded. After the tide goes out in the evening, you can find small crabs in the crevices of the rocks. 📍The abandoned village of Houtouwan is covered in green vines and looks like a fairy-tale ruin from afar, but there are many mosquitoes, so long pants and long sleeves are a must. ⏰Go to the Dongya Cliffs on Shengshan Island at 5:00 AM to watch the sunrise. When that light pierces through the sea, you'll feel that waking up early was worth it. Take motion sickness medicine half an hour in advance—don't ask me how I know. 4️⃣ Xining | Qinghai Many people use Xining as a transit stop, but it's actually worth staying for a day. Ta'er Temple is about 30 km from the city center, and a taxi ride costs around CNY 60. The butter sculpture hall in the temple is the most stunning; sculptures the size of a fingernail can depict the entire Mount Sumeru. Artisans have to mold them with freezing hands in winter—it's heartbreaking just to look at them. ⚠️You cannot take photos inside the main hall of the temple. At the entrance, local ladies will try to sell you colorful braided hair for CNY 10 per braid. If you want one, go for it; if not, just wave your hand and don't let them follow you the whole way. The Dongguan Grand Mosque is open to tourists at 2:00 PM. You don't need to go into the prayer hall; just listening to the bells in the courtyard is enough. 🍜Don't order too much Mazhong Liangpi (cold skin noodles) on Mojia Street; 1 bowl is perfect for 2 people. It's sour and spicy, and pairs well with a bowl of Tianpei (sweet fermented oats) to cleanse the palate. Choose accommodation near the Central Square; it's not out of the way for either attraction, and you can explore the Shuijingxiang Night Market in the evening. 5️⃣ Hulunbuir | Inner Mongolia The grasslands in October are already golden—not the bright, tender green of summer, but with a vast, post-harvest sense of desolation. The Hulunbuir Grassland is too large, so don't try to see it all; picking 1 section to explore is the most comfortable way. 📍Starting from Hailar towards Ergun, there are few tourists along the way. You can climb on the haystacks by the roadside at will. Sitting on them to watch the sunset, the light dyes the tips of the grass honey-colored, and the wind is full of the smell of dry grass. For the horse-riding experience, I recommend choosing a legitimate horse farm. Short rides led by herdsmen cost CNY 50 per lap; if you want to gallop, you'll need to pay extra. Ask about the price before getting on the horse. ⚠️The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland exceeds 15 degrees. Wear a sweatshirt during the day, but you must put on a down jacket after sunset—don't try to be tough. 🚄It takes about half an hour by taxi from Hailar city to the entrance of the grassland. It's hard to get a taxi for the return trip, so ask the horse farm owner to help you call 1, even if you have to wait a while. 6️⃣ Chizhou | Anhui Mount Jiuhua is famous, but it's crowded during National Day. My plan for you is: stay at the foot of the mountain and go up in the morning. Stay in Kecun the night before, wake up at 6:00 AM the next day, and catch the first scenic bus to Jiuhua Street. At this time, other tourists are still eating breakfast, and you can enjoy half an hour of peace and quiet all to yourself. The cable car to Baisui Palace has a queue of at least 40 minutes. If you are physically fit, take the stairs up, which takes about 1 hour. The pine trees along the way grow in the crevices of the rocks with a stubborn posture. ⏰Tiantai Peak is often foggy after 2:00 PM. If you want to see the sea of clouds, you have to go early; after 3:00 PM, it's basically just a white expanse. 🍜The vegetarian buffet on the mountain is CNY 30 per person. The dishes are richer than you'd imagine, but don't waste food; the aunties in the dining hall will watch your bowl. After coming down the mountain, go to the Dayuan Cultural Park. The 99-meter Ksitigarbha statue glitters in the sunset. You don't need to buy a ticket; you can see the full view from the square. 7️⃣ Zhangjiajie | Hunan Leave at least 2 days for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park; you can't finish it in 1 day. The Wulingyuan admission ticket includes the eco-friendly bus and is valid for 4 days, so don't rush to finish all the attractions in 1 day. I suggest visiting Yuanjiajie on the first day to see the prototype of the Hallelujah Mountains. Take the Bailong Elevator to the top of the mountain; the elevator ride takes 66 seconds, so don't blink—the view explodes the moment you rush out of the mountain. Go to Tianzi Mountain and the Ten-Mile Gallery on the second day. Hiking enthusiasts can walk the entire Jinbian Stream, which is about 7.5 km long. The stream water is so clear that you can see the patterns on the stones. There are fewer people in the second half, and you can only hear the birds and the sound of the water. 📍The glass skywalk at Tianmen Mountain has long queues. If you are afraid of heights, you can actually walk around it; no one is forcing you. ⚠️The weather on the mountain changes quickly. Raincoats are more practical than umbrellas; they cost CNY 10 each at the foot of the mountain and CNY 30 at the top. 8️⃣ Jinan | Shandong Autumn in Jinan is woven with willow trees and spring water. You don't need to deliberately look for attractions; just walk along the moat. The Baotu Spring Scenic Area connects Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and Five Dragon Pool in a line. I suggest entering from Five Dragon Pool; there are half as many people as at Baotu Spring, and the spring water is so clear you can count the coins in it. ⏰It's best to go to Daming Lake in the evening. The sunset dyes the lake surface gold, and the reflection of the illuminated Chaoran Tower in the water is 10 times more beautiful than during the day. Qianfo Mountain is not high; you can reach the top in half an hour. From the top, you can overlook the entire old city of Jinan. In autumn, the visibility is high, and you can even faintly see the Yellow River. 🍜Just take a look at the snacks on Furong Street. If you want to eat Bazi meat (braised pork), go to the shops under the residential buildings in the old town. It's CNY 12 per piece, fatty but not greasy, and you can eat 2 bowls of rice with it. Choose accommodation near Quancheng Square; you can walk to all the attractions and save on taxi fares. I've finished writing about these 8 places, and I want to book a ticket right now myself. Do you have an answer in mind? Let's chat in the comments section, or tell me where you want to go, and I'll help you avoid the pitfalls.

Three-day stay in these 8️⃣ cities for complete relaxation 01 Baoji | Shaanxi At six in the morning, a thin mist still shrouded the foot of Mount Taibai. I wrapped my coat tighter and followed a local elder into a tofu pudding stall known only to locals. Steaming hot tofu pudding topped with chili oil, soaking thinly sliced ​​flatbread, the spiciness instantly woke me up. ⏰ Don't oversleep; Mount Taibai is truly ethereal before and after sunrise. Before the cable car opens, you can hear birdsong and the sound of streams on the walking trails. In the afternoon, head to Famen Temple. Don't just focus on taking pictures of the He Shi Relic Pagoda. What's truly worth seeing are the artifacts unearthed from the underground palace—those Tang Dynasty glassware and gold and silver wares; you can feel the craftsmanship from a thousand years ago even through the glass. ⚠️ No noise inside the pagoda, and don't use flash photography; security guards will be watching you. In the evening, drive to Guanshan Grassland. Along the way, you'll pass the Dongshan Pass, where the wind is so strong it can blow your hat off. Remember to bargain when horseback riding on the grasslands; you can usually get a price of 61 yuan per hour during the off-season. Stay in a yurt at night; the conditions are basic, but the starry sky is truly breathtaking, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. 02 Yushu | Qinghai This place isn't for rushing; it's for relaxing and contemplating. Hoh Xil isn't a typical tourist spot; there are no entrance fees or guardrails. You need to hire an off-road vehicle from the Golmud direction to enter. 📍 Tibetan antelopes are frequently seen near the Sonam Dargye Nature Reserve. ⏰ May to July is calving season; if you're lucky, you might see a herd of mothers and their calves. Don't get out of your vehicle to chase them; they're faster than you, and disturbing wild animals will get you a scolding from the rangers. The Sanjiangyuan National Park is even less-visited; it's a two-hour drive from Yushu city on unpaved roads. But when you stand at the source of the Lancang River, watching the glacial meltwater flow beneath your feet, the awe is something photos can't capture. There are no supply points along the way, so bring your own food and water, and remember to take your trash with you. If you only have three days, I suggest skipping the rush and spending two days sunbathing in Yushu city, visiting Jiegu Temple to spin the prayer wheels, and then going to Xinzai Jiana Mani Stone Pile to build a stone. Slowing down is the right way to experience this place. 03 Kaifeng | Henan At 8 am, Qingming Riverside Park had just opened, so I headed straight to the Tokyo Food Street. The soup dumplings should be eaten while they're hot; open the window before drinking the soup, otherwise you'll burn your tongue. The antique-style buildings in the park are very photogenic, but don't take photos at midday, the light is too harsh and your face will be covered in shadows. The Iron Pagoda Park was much quieter than I expected. The glazed brick pagoda has stood since the Northern Song Dynasty; you can hear the eaves bells ringing when the wind blows. ⚠️ Climbing inside the pagoda is not allowed, so don't waste your time queuing. There were elderly people singing Henan opera in the park; sitting and listening for ten minutes is more worthwhile than visiting ten souvenir shops. The Xiangguo Temple and Bao Gong Temple are not far apart; you can walk to them. The Hall of Five Hundred Arhats at Xiangguo Temple is worth a close look; each statue has a different expression. Bao Gong Temple is less crowded and can be explored in half an hour, but Bao Gong Lake outside the South Gate is excellent for an evening stroll; the evening breeze makes the vibrant atmosphere of Kaifeng shimmer on the water. 04 Shaoguan | Guangdong Danxia Mountain isn't a single mountain, but a whole group of red sandstone formations. My suggestion: go to the Yangyuan Stone Scenic Area first in the morning, before the tour groups arrive, and climb the almost vertical iron ladder at Ximei Village. Climbing it with your hands and feet will get your heart racing, but the view of the undulating peaks from the summit makes it all worthwhile. In the afternoon, head to Elder Peak; this route is much easier and suitable for families. ⏰ Two hours before sunset, go to the Sunrise Pavilion. The red mountains turn a deep orange in the sunset, as if they've been set on fire. Don't take private taxis down the mountain; they're expensive and unsafe. The scenic area bus costs ten yuan per trip. Staying at a guesthouse at the foot of the mountain, the owner will tell you which farmhouse restaurant serves the most authentic food in the evening. 🍜 I recommend stir-fried snails with pickled bamboo shoots, paired with ice-cold beer. People from Guangdong aren't good at spicy food, but their pickled bamboo shoots are exceptional. ⚠️ It gets very crowded on weekends; the cable car queue can be at least an hour long. I suggest taking a day off during the week to come. 05 Hulunbuir | Inner Mongolia At the end of June, the grasslands are just ankle-high, and wildflowers are already in bloom. I hired an off-road vehicle and drove from Hailar along the Morigele River. With the windows rolled down, the air was filled with the scent of grass. The driver said that in another month the grass will be taller, but there will be more mosquitoes; June is the prime time. The Hulunbuir Grassland isn't a tourist attraction, it's a geographical concept. The real way to experience it is to just find a dirt road, turn in, park the car by the river bend, spread out a picnic blanket, and relax for an afternoon. ⏰ 6 PM to 8 PM is the most beautiful time; the light clings to the tips of the grass like honey. Staying overnight in a yurt costs 300 yuan per night, including breakfast and dinner. Don't expect the shower water to be very hot, but the roasted lamb chops are incredibly delicious. Paired with freshly brewed milk tea, I could easily eat three pieces. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant; even in summer, bring a light down jacket. 06 Southeast Guizhou | Guizhou The commercialization of Xijiang Miao Village isn't as bad as some online reviews suggest. After 7 PM, the tour groups leave, and the entire village quiets down. The lights of the stilted houses illuminate layer by layer, like stars growing on the mountainside. I stayed in a guesthouse halfway up the mountain. When I opened the window early in the morning, the morning mist hadn't dissipated, and the Miao village was faintly visible through the clouds. Zhaoxing Dong Village is more pristine than Xijiang. Under the drum tower, elderly people are making batik; you can dye a square scarf yourself for 30 yuan. 📍 A 15-minute walk east from the main street leads to a small river. In the evening, there's a Dong folk song performance; no tickets are needed, just watch from the bridge. Zhenyuan Ancient Town is worth a day trip. The Wuyang River cuts the town in two, and Qinglong Cave hangs from the cliff like a building block sculpture. ⚠️ Avoid weekends; guesthouses are fully booked and prices are inflated. Xianghuoyan (Incense Rock) is a pleasant surprise—less crowded, beautiful scenery, and a waterfall cascading down the cliff face, creating a refreshing mist in the summer. 07 Urumqi | Xinjiang The Grand Bazaar is worth visiting, but don't buy anything at the entrance; prices get cheaper as you go further in. Be bold with the samples at the dried fruit stalls; you'll be half full after trying them all. 🍜 The hand-pulled rice near Erdaoqiao (Second Bridge) features lamb leg stewed until the meat falls off the bone, and the rice is glistening with oil. A bowl of yogurt is a perfect accompaniment to cut the richness. Hongguang Mountain is north of the city. It's not high, but offers excellent views overlooking the entire city of Urumqi. ⏰ Go in the evening; when the city lights come on, the wind is warm and carries the aroma of grilled meat. The Dabancheng Wind Power Station is located beside the highway. Rows of windmills turn under the blue sky, making for great photos, but the wind is so strong you can barely stand. ⚠️ The International Grand Bazaar pedestrian street has song and dance performances in the evening, but prices are high; a glass of juice costs 30 yuan. It's better to go to the Consulate Alley, frequented by locals. Baked buns are 5 yuan each, freshly baked with a crispy crust and fragrant filling; I ate three! 08 Sanming | Fujian Dajin Lake isn't a lake, it's a reservoir, but it's more beautiful than many natural lakes. A boat trip through the Danxia landforms reveals turquoise water and crimson mountains, a color palette of contrasts. 📍 Ganlu Rock Temple is built inside a cave, supported by only one pillar, and has stood for a thousand years—even more precarious than the Hanging Temple. Taining Ancient City is smaller than I expected; you can walk through it in an hour. However, the Shangshu Mansion is worth visiting; the wood carvings of this Ming Dynasty official residence are breathtakingly exquisite. ⚠️ Don't buy the Lei Cha sold in the ancient town randomly; some are made from powder. For the truly delicious one, go to the unsigned shop on the old street. The owner grinds and grinds it fresh, the aroma of peanuts mingling with the fragrance of tea. ⏰ October is the best time to visit. The water level of Jin Lake is high, and the red leaves on both banks are reflected in the water. Summer is also fine, but the sun can be intense, so remember to bring an umbrella. Three days is just right: one day on the lake, one day in the ancient town, and one day to relax. Eight cities, eight ways to slow down. Which one do you like best? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll help you plan your itinerary. A three-day stay in these 8️⃣ cities will allow you to completely relax. 01 Baoji | Shaanxi At six in the morning, a thin mist still shrouded the foot of Mount Taibai. I wrapped my coat tighter and followed a local elder into a Douhua Paomo (tofu pudding soaked in broth) stall known only to locals. The steaming hot Douhua, topped with chili oil and soaked with thinly sliced ​​Guokui (flatbread), was instantly energizing. ⏰ Don't oversleep. Taibai Mountain is truly ethereal before and after sunrise. Before the cable car opens, you can hear birdsong and the sound of flowing streams on the walking trails. In the afternoon, head to Famen Temple. Don't just focus on taking photos of the He Shi Relic Pagoda. The real gems are the artifacts unearthed from the underground palace—those Tang Dynasty glassware and gold and silver wares; you can feel the craftsmanship from a thousand years ago even through the glass. ⚠️ No noise or flash photography is allowed inside the pagoda; security will be watching you. In the evening, drive to Guanshan Grassland. Along the way, you'll pass the Dongshan Pass, where the wind is strong enough to blow your hat off. Remember to bargain for horseback riding on the grassland; you can get a room for 61 hours during the off-season. Stay in a yurt at night; the conditions are basic, but the starry sky is truly breathtaking, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. 02 Yushu | Qinghai This place isn't for rushing; it's for relaxing. Hoh Xil isn't a typical tourist attraction; there are no entrance fees or guardrails. You need to hire an off-road vehicle from the Golmud direction to enter. 📍 Tibetan antelopes are frequently seen near the Sonam Dargye Nature Reserve. ⏰ May to July is calving season; if you're lucky, you might see a herd of mothers and their calves. Don't get out of your car to chase them; they're faster than you, and disturbing wild animals will get you a scolding from the rangers. The Sanjiangyuan National Park is even less-visited; it's a two-hour drive from Yushu city on a dirt road. But when you stand at the source of the Lancang River, watching glacial meltwater flow beneath your feet, the awe is something photos can't capture. There are no supply points along the way, so bring your own food and water, and remember to take your trash with you. If you only have three days, I suggest skipping the rush and spending two days in Yushu city soaking up the sun, visiting Jiegu Monastery to spin the prayer wheels, and then going to Xinzai Jiana Mani Stone Pile to build a stone. Slowing down is the right way to experience this place. 03 Kaifeng|Henan At 8 am, Qingming Riverside Park had just opened, and I headed straight to the Tokyo Food Street. The soup dumplings should be eaten while they're hot; open the window before drinking the soup, otherwise you'll burn your tongue. The antique-style buildings in the park are very photogenic, but avoid taking photos at midday; the harsh light will leave your face in harsh shadows. The Iron Pagoda Park is much quieter than I expected. The glazed brick pagoda has stood since the Northern Song Dynasty, and you can hear the eaves bells ringing when the wind blows. ⚠️ Climbing inside the pagoda is not allowed, so don't waste your time queuing. An elderly person in the park is singing Henan opera; sitting and listening for ten minutes is more worthwhile than visiting ten souvenir shops. The Xiangguo Temple and Bao Gong Temple are not far apart and can be reached on foot. The Hall of Five Hundred Arhats at Xiangguo Temple is worth a closer look; each statue has a different expression. Bao Gong Temple is less crowded and can be visited in half an hour, but the Bao Gong Lake outside the South Gate is excellent for an evening stroll; with the evening breeze, the vibrant atmosphere of Kaifeng city seems to shimmer on the water. 04 Shaoguan | Guangdong Danxia Mountain is not a single mountain, but a whole group of red sandstone formations. My suggestion is: First, head to Yangyuan Stone Scenic Area before the tour groups arrive, and climb the almost vertical iron ladder at Ximei Village. Your heart will race as you climb, but the view of the surrounding peaks from the summit makes it all worthwhile. In the afternoon, head to Elder Peak. This route is much easier and suitable for families. ⏰ Two hours before sunset, go to the Sunrise Pavilion. The red mountains will turn a deep orange in the sunset, as if they've been set ablaze. Don't take private taxis down the mountain; they're expensive and unsafe. The scenic area bus costs 10 yuan per trip. Stay at a guesthouse at the foot of the mountain. The owner will tell you which local restaurants serve authentic local cuisine in the evening. 🍜 I recommend stir-fried snails with pickled bamboo shoots, paired with ice-cold beer. People from Guangdong aren't good at spicy food, but their pickled bamboo shoots are exceptional. ⚠️ Weekends are crowded; the cable car queue can be at least an hour long. I suggest taking a day off during the week. 05 Hulunbuir | Inner Mongolia At the end of June, the grasslands were just ankle-high, and wildflowers were already in bloom. I hired an off-road vehicle and drove from Hailar along the Morigele River. With the windows rolled down, the air was filled with the scent of grass. The driver said that in another month the grass would be taller, but the mosquitoes would be more numerous; June was the prime time. The Hulunbuir Grassland isn't a tourist attraction, it's a geographical concept. The real way to experience it is to simply find a dirt road, turn in, park the car by the river bend, spread out a picnic blanket, and spend the afternoon there. ⏰ The most beautiful time is between 6 and 8 pm, when the light shines like honey on the tips of the grass. We stayed in yurts that night, 300 yuan a night including breakfast and dinner. Don't expect the shower water to be very hot, but the roasted lamb chops were incredibly delicious; paired with freshly brewed milk tea, I could easily eat three pieces. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night on the grasslands is significant; even in summer, bring a light down jacket. 06 Southeast Guizhou | Guizhou The commercialization of Xijiang Miao Village isn't as terrible as some online reviews suggest. After 7 PM, the tour groups leave, and the whole village quiets down. The lights of the stilted houses illuminate layer by layer, like stars growing on the mountainside. I stayed in a guesthouse halfway up the mountain. When I opened the window early in the morning, the morning mist hadn't dissipated, and the Miao village was faintly visible through the clouds. Zhaoxing Dong Village is more pristine than Xijiang. An elderly person is making batik under the drum tower; you can dye a square scarf yourself for 30 yuan. 📍 A 15-minute walk east from the main street leads to a small river. There's a Dong folk song performance in the evening; no tickets are needed, just watch from the bridge. Zhenyuan Ancient Town is worth a day trip. The Wuyang River cuts the town in two, and the Qinglong Cave hangs on the cliff like a building block structure. ⚠️ Avoid weekends; guesthouses are fully booked and prices are inflated. Incense Rock was a delightful surprise—less crowded, beautiful scenery, and a waterfall cascading down the cliff face, creating a refreshing mist that's perfect for summer. 07 Urumqi | Xinjiang The Grand Bazaar is worth visiting, but don't buy anything at the entrance; prices get cheaper as you go further in. Be bold with the samples at the dried fruit stalls; you'll be half full after trying them all. 🍜 The hand-pulled rice near Erdaoqiao is amazing! The lamb leg is stewed until it falls off the bone, and the rice is glistening with oil. A bowl of yogurt is a perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness. Hongguang Mountain is north of the city. It's not high, but the views are fantastic, offering panoramic views of Urumqi. ⏰ Go in the evening; when the city lights come on, the wind is warm and carries the smell of barbecue. The Dabancheng Wind Power Station is located beside the highway; rows of windmills turn under the blue sky, making for great photos, but the wind is so strong you might lose your footing. ⚠️ The International Grand Bazaar pedestrian street has song and dance performances in the evening, but prices are high; a glass of juice costs 30 yuan. It's better to go to the Consulate Alley, frequented by locals, where baked buns are 5 yuan each—crispy on the outside and fragrant on the inside; I ate three! 08 Sanming | Fujian Dajin Lake isn't a lake, it's a reservoir, but it's more beautiful than many natural lakes. A boat trip through the Danxia landforms reveals turquoise water and crimson mountains, a color palette of contrasts. 📍 Ganlu Rock Temple is built inside a cave, supported by only one pillar, and has stood for a thousand years—even more precarious than the Hanging Temple. Taining Ancient City is smaller than I expected; you can walk through it in an hour. But the Shangshu Mansion is worth visiting; the wood carvings of this Ming Dynasty official residence are breathtakingly exquisite. ⚠️ Don't buy the Lei Cha sold in the ancient town randomly; some are made from powder. For the truly delicious one, go to the unsigned shop on the old street. The owner grinds and grinds it fresh, the aroma of peanuts mingling with the fragrance of tea. ⏰ October is the best time to visit. The water level of Jin Lake is high, and the red leaves on both banks are reflected in the water. Summer is also fine, but it can be very hot, so remember to bring an umbrella. Three days is just right: one day on the lake, one day in the ancient town, and one day to relax and unwind. Eight cities, eight ways to slow down. Which one do you like best? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll help you plan your itinerary.

September off-peak travel: 8 budget-friendly, uncrowded, and scenic destinations 01 Lijiang | Yunnan In September, the rainy season in Lijiang is ending, the stone paths in the ancient town are less slippery, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is rarely fully visible. I suggest visiting Black Dragon Pool Park in the morning. Arrive before 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and capture the reflection of the snow mountain on the water; the best spot is the stone bridge in front of Deyue Pavilion. Go to Mu's Residence at noon; the admission ticket is about 40, and an hour is enough for a quick look. Don't trust the "free guides" soliciting at the entrance; it's better to explore on your own. Head to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the afternoon. A taxi from the ancient town to the visitor center costs about 80. Remember to book the large cable car ticket on the official account in advance, as they are basically unavailable on-site. ⚠️ It gets windy on the mountain after 3:00 PM, so bring a thin down jacket if you get cold easily. Back in the ancient town at night, snacks near Sifang Street are expensive and mediocre. Walk deep into the alleys of Wuyi Street for the local-style small pot rice noodles, which cost only 10 per bowl. 02 Yuncheng | Shanxi The autumn colors at Yuncheng Salt Lake are richer than in summer. Arrive at the scenic area at 4:30 PM; the sun hits the water at an angle, making the lake surface glow pink and purple, which looks much better than at noon. The admission ticket, including the shuttle bus, is just over 100. You can also walk; the boardwalk along the lake takes about 40 minutes. ⚠️ Don't wear white shoes; the saline-alkali soil will turn them yellow. If you have time, go to the Pool God Temple early the next morning. It's right by the salt lake, the admission ticket is 20, and you can overlook the entire lake. 🍜 For mutton soup with pita bread in the city, I recommend the old shop "Hedong First Bowl" on Jiefang Road. It's 25 per bowl, and they are generous with the meat. 03 Shaoxing | Zhejiang In September, the sweet osmanthus is just blooming, and the whole city is filled with a sweet scent. I recommend this route: Lu Xun's Former Residence and Shen Garden in the morning. These two spots are connected. Admission is free but requires a reservation. Arrive when it opens at 9:00 AM to avoid tour groups. It's only a 20-minute walk from Baicao Garden to Sanwei Study. Have aniseed beans and drunken chicken at Xianheng Hotel for lunch; don't order too much, as the portions are large. Go to Lanting in the afternoon. It's a bit far from the city center, about 40 by taxi. The scenic area is uncrowded, and sitting by the Goose Pond is very relaxing. Return to the city in the evening. Anchang Ancient Town is quieter than the ancient towns in Keqiao. Admission is free after 5:30 PM. Walk along the river and buy some sausages as souvenirs. ⚠️ Lanting is closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. 04 Sanming | Fujian The place most worth spending time in Sanming is Dajin Lake. The water is still warm in September, making it perfect for a boat tour. 🚄 Take a shuttle bus from Sanming North Station to Taining County, which takes about an hour, then take a taxi to the scenic area pier. The boat ticket includes three islands and takes three hours. I suggest taking the 9:30 AM boat for better lighting and photos without backlighting. Ganlu Temple is on the second island, built into a crevice in the cliff, and is worth climbing up to see. Return to Taining Ancient Town in the afternoon. The ancient town is free, and the Shangshu Mansion is worth entering; the admission ticket is 20. 🍜 Try the lei cha (thunder tea) in the county, and be sure to pair it with the local fried tofu, which is 10 per serving. ⚠️ It gets windy and choppy on Dajin Lake in the afternoon, so bring motion sickness medicine if you are prone to it. 05 Zhuzhou | Hunan September is the most comfortable time to visit the Yandi Mausoleum in Zhuzhou; it's cool in the mountains and not crowded. Take a bus from Zhuzhou West Station to Yanling County, which takes about two hours, then a ten-minute taxi ride. The admission ticket is 80 and includes an audio guide. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM. Visit the main sacrificial hall first, then head to the back mountain. The trails in the woods are quiet and uncrowded. 🍜 There is a restaurant called "Luyuan Renjia" at the mountain entrance. The blood duck and bacon stir-fried with winter bamboo shoots are authentic, costing about 40 per person. ⚠️ Ignore the people selling incense candles in the scenic area; there is free incense behind the main hall. If you are bringing elderly people, remember to wear non-slip shoes, as the steps on the back mountain can be a bit slippery. 06 Luoyang | Henan In September, the heat has subsided in Luoyang, and you can finally enjoy visiting the Longmen Grottoes. 🚄 A taxi from the high-speed railway station to the scenic area is about 30. Enter the park at 2:00 PM; the light hits the face of the Vairocana Buddha at an angle, which looks much better than the front lighting in the morning. The admission ticket is 90. I suggest walking through the West Hill to see the Great Buddha first, then crossing the bridge to the East Hill. Looking back at the full view of the grottoes from the East Hill is the best photo spot. Guanlin is not far from Longmen, a 15-minute taxi ride, and the admission ticket is 40. It's full of ancient cypress trees and is suitable for history lovers. The next day, go to Laojun Mountain and Jiguan Cave. It's a long way, about two hours by tourist bus from the city. The stalactites in Jiguan Cave with the lighting are truly stunning, but it's a constant 16°C inside, so remember to bring a jacket. ⚠️ Wangcheng Park has a chrysanthemum exhibition in September, but it's crowded on weekends. If you want to see the flowers, try to go on a weekday morning. 07 Lingshui | Hainan In September, Lingshui has half the crowds of Sanya, and the sea is even bluer. The admission ticket plus boat ticket for Fenjiezhou Island is about 150. A taxi from Lingshui Station to the pier takes about 20 minutes. ⏰ Catch the first boat at 8:30 AM. The island is uncrowded. Go to the Huanxi Hall on the top of the mountain first to overlook the entire bay. Diving is not cheap, starting at 300, but the water quality is indeed better than Sanya Bay. Return to the shore in the afternoon and go to Nanwan Monkey Island. Take the cable car over. There are many monkeys on the island. ⚠️ Don't carry plastic bags in your hands, as the monkeys will snatch them. 🍜 The seafood porridge at the county night market is 15 per bowl, paired with fried squid rings, which is much more affordable than inside the scenic area. 08 Jilin In late September in Jilin City, you can't see rime on Rime Island yet, but the autumn colors of Songhua Lake have already begun. A taxi from the city to the Songhua Lake scenic area takes about 40 minutes. The admission ticket plus boat tour package is 120. ⏰ Board the boat at 1:00 PM. The red leaves on both sides of the lake are reflected in the water, which looks much better than the bare mountains in summer. When the boat reaches Wuhu Island, get off and walk around; 40 minutes is enough. ⚠️ It's cold on the lake in September, so wearing a windbreaker is not an exaggeration. Visiting Rime Island this season means you won't see snow, but if you want to scout the location, you can drive to the island to check the terrain. That way, you won't have to find your way in the dark when you come back in winter. 🍜 For jianfen (starch jelly) in the city, "Laobaijia" near the train station is the most authentic. It's 8 per bowl, paired with a tea egg, and it's nice and warm.

Want to travel in September or October but worried about your wallet? I've personally checked out these 8 places. They're uncrowded, beautiful, and affordable. No beating around the bush, here's the real deal. 01 Suzhou, Jiangsu Suzhou isn't just about gardens. In September, the osmanthus flowers bloom, and the whole city smells sweet. Go to Tiger Hill in the morning, enter from the South Gate before the tour groups arrive. The Sword Pool area is quiet; you can hear the wind in the bamboo. Don't eat at tourist traps; go to the west section of Shantang Street for local noodle shops. A bowl of braised pork noodles is around CNY 15, half the price of the main street. In the afternoon, go to Hanshan Temple. Don't just look at the big bell; go behind the temple to the riverside to see Fengqiao across the canal—that's the real "night mooring" vibe. Humble Administrator's Garden is crowded; I suggest Lingering Garden instead. It's small and exquisite. Sit under the corridor and watch the light and shadow on the rockeries. ⚠️ Gardens usually clear out at 5:00 PM. If you arrive after 4:00 PM, just stroll along Pingjiang Road instead. 🚄 Take Metro Line 4 to Beisita Station, then walk 10 minutes to the garden area. 02 Zhoushan, Zhejiang Don't just go to Putuoshan; it's crowded and expensive, and the incense smoke drowns out the sea breeze. I suggest focusing on the Shengsi Islands. Take a ferry from Shenjiamen Pier to Sijiao; the fast ferry takes 2 hours and costs a little over CNY 100. Rent an e-bike on the island and ride along the left bank road—sea on the left, hills on the right. The September wind is perfect. Gouqi Island is further, but the beaches are clean. At low tide in the evening, you can find small crabs in the reef crevices. If you must go to Putuoshan, choose a weekday. Enter and take the west route first; the incense path from Fayu Temple to Huiji Temple is quiet and shady, much better than the main gate. ⚠️ Book ferry tickets 2 days in advance on the official account; you can't buy them on the day on weekends. 🍜 The seafood noodles made by the guesthouse owner are CNY 30 a bowl, with more ingredients than city restaurants. 03 Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Don't think Garzê is expensive. From mid-September to early October, flights and hotels aren't at their peak yet. Xinduqiao is a photographer's hub, but don't crowd the viewing platform. Drive 10 minutes toward Waze Township; any poplar forest by the road will do. In the morning light, the shadows are better than a painting. If you have to choose between Mugecuo and Daocheng Yading, I choose Mugecuo. It's closer to Kangding, the ticket plus sightseeing bus is half the price of Daocheng, and the hiking is easier—perfect for those who don't want to be exhausted. For Hailuogou glaciers, arrive before 10:00 AM; it gets foggy in the afternoon and you won't see anything. ⚠️ High altitude means big temperature differences. Short sleeves during the day, but you must have a down jacket at night. Don't push it. 🚄 Take a bus from Chengdu to Kangding, about 5 hours. Saves a lot of money compared to flying to Daocheng. 04 Sanming, Fujian Sanming is underrated. The Danxia landforms of Dajinhu Lake—see the mountains from the water, and caves in the mountains. The 2-hour boat tour includes the ticket price and is great value. I recommend going in the evening; the sunset dyes the cliffs golden red. The tourists have mostly left, and it's quiet enough to hear the water hitting the boat. Taining Ancient Town is nearby. Walk in at night; the stone paths are polished by the lights. Small shops sell lei cha (pounded tea) for CNY 5—salty, fragrant, and thirst-quenching. The Shangshudi old mansion in the ancient town is worth entering. The carved wooden windows and brick walls have more character than many renovated ancient towns. ⚠️ Dajinhu boat schedules aren't frequent. The last boat is at 3:30 PM; if you miss it, you have to wait until the next day. 🍜 The warm mushroom buns at the entrance of the ancient town are fresh out of the steamer—soft skin, fragrant filling. A great snack. 05 Shuozhou, Shanxi Shuozhou is so off-the-beaten-path that many locals in Shanxi haven't been there. Shahu Pass is a gateway of the Great Wall. The name sounds fierce, but it's actually desolate and magnificent. Standing on the tower looking out, the loess hills roll, and the wind blows through the pass. You can imagine the teams leaving the pass back in the day. The grass in September is turning yellow, which, paired with the gray Great Wall, has an indescribable desolation. Not for those who like crowds, but if you love history and open spaces, you can stare at the dirt walls for half a day. ⚠️ No decent restaurants nearby. Eat in downtown Shuozhou before coming, or bring your own food and water. 🚄 Take a slow train from Datong to Shuozhou, over 1 hour, ticket is around CNY 20. Charter a small car after getting off; round trip is under CNY 100. 06 Jixi, Heilongjiang Jixi is in eastern Heilongjiang, on the China-Russia border—extremely off-the-beaten-path. Xingkai Lake is China's largest boundary lake. You can't see the other side; the sand is fine, the water is clear, and there are surprisingly few people in September. There's a boardwalk by the lake; a loop takes 2 hours. It's windy, so bring a jacket. I recommend going in the afternoon; the sunlight turns the lake silver-white, and you can see the Russian coastline in the distance. Hutou Town has the WWII End Memorial. It's not big, but it's historically significant. If you're interested in that history, it's worth a 30-minute stop. ⚠️ Xingkai Lake is far from the city center. Public transport isn't convenient; it's best to charter a car or drive yourself. Takes half a day round trip. 🍜 The cold noodles in downtown Jixi are sweet and sour, served with spicy fish strips. Cheap and filling, less than CNY 20 a serving. 07 Anyang, Henan Anyang is the ancient capital of the Shang Dynasty, but most people just pass through. Yinxu (Yin Ruins) is a must-see—the home of oracle bone script and bronzeware. Standing in front of the Houmuwu Ding in the museum, you'll suddenly understand what "national treasure" means. But Yinxu tickets aren't cheap. If you're on a budget, just go to the new Yinxu Museum; the ticket is much cheaper, and the exhibits are enough. Taihang Grand Canyon is better for nature lovers. In September, there's plenty of water, and the sound of waterfalls shakes the valley. Stay at a farmhouse in Shibanyan Town; 3 meals included for just over CNY 100. Wake up and push the window to see mountain mist. ⚠️ The canyon roads are winding. If you get carsick, take medicine beforehand. Don't tough it out. 🚄 Taxi from Anyang East Station to Yinxu is about 20 minutes. There are also direct city buses. 08 Wuhan, Hubei Wuhan is still hot in September, but not as fierce as in July or August. Yellow Crane Tower is crowded; I suggest just looking at it from the outside, don't spend money to go up. The truly comfortable place is East Lake. Cycling the 20 km greenway costs CNY 30 to rent a bike. The evening breeze is blowing, and the lake is sparkling—a hundred times more comfortable than being crowded inside the tower. Songyang Temple is in Jiangxia District, so niche there are no tourists. The temple isn't big, but it's surrounded by forests and reservoirs, perfect for zoning out. Mulan Cultural Ecological Tourism Zone in Huangpi is huge; just pick one spot to visit, like Mulan Tianchi. Hike up to see the lake—3 hours round trip, and the ticket is more worth it than Yellow Crane Tower. ⚠️ East Lake Greenway is crowded on weekends; go on a weekday afternoon for the most peace. 🍜 Don't go to Hubu Alley. The fried dough cake with siu mai on Liangdao Street is the local breakfast. CNY 15 per person to get stuffed. 🚄 Wuhan Metro Line 8 to Liyuan Station; the entrance to East Lake Greenway is right at the exit. These 8 places—personally, I miss Zhoushan and Jixi the most. One has sea breezes, the other lake breezes; both are exactly what September should be like. What other hidden gems do you have? Let's chat in the comments; I'll write them down for my next trip.

8 cities for an effortless trip with parents, the 5th one is perfect 1️⃣ Aksu Prefecture | Xinjiang When bringing your parents to Aksu, don't try to do too much; head straight to Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, as it's breathtaking enough on its own. The canyon entrance is wide, but as you walk in, the ochre-red rock walls on both sides get narrower, leaving only a sliver of sky above. The path is mostly sand and gravel and isn't slippery, but one uphill section is quite strenuous. If your parents have average stamina, you can turn back near "A Line of Sky." The scenery in the second half is similar, so there's no need to push it. ⏰ Enter the canyon before 10:00 AM. The light hits the rock walls at an angle, making them look their reddest—no filters needed for photos. In the afternoon, the sun beats down, making the canyon stuffy and hard to walk in. 🍜 There are a few mixed noodle shops outside the scenic area entrance. A serving of mixed noodles with fried meat is CNY 25. The portions are generous; sharing one bowl between two people plus a baked bun is just right. ⚠️ There are no supply points inside the canyon, so prepare water in the car beforehand—at least two bottles per person. 2️⃣ Weifang | Shandong Qingzhou Ancient City is for strolling, not rushing. Enter the South Gate and head north along the main street. The stone roads are flat and wheelchair/stroller friendly. The shops on both sides sell traditional crafts. Longsheng pastries (Mishandao) are best eaten warm and cost CNY 10 per bag. Take a break at the entrance to Ouyuan Garden; it's small, but the rockeries and ponds are nice, and it's comfortable to sit on a stone bench in the shade. In the afternoon, turn into North Gate Street, where it's half as crowded. Deep in the alley, there's an Old Locust Tree Pan-fried Bun shop. They have leek and meat fillings, with thin skins and crispy bottoms, costing CNY 2.5 each—easy for seniors to chew. ⚠️ Don't rush to buy souvenirs on the main street; the same wooden combs are half the price in the alleys. 🚄 A taxi from Weifang Station takes about 40 minutes. Taking the highway avoids traffic, and the fare is around CNY 60. 3️⃣ Anshun | Guizhou Huangguoshu Waterfall and Dragon Palace are in different directions, so don't try to do both in one day—you'll be exhausted. I suggest choosing just one, and my recommendation is to take your parents to Dragon Palace. The Dragon Palace scenic area has boat rides throughout, so your parents won't have to climb hills. You'll ride a boat through karst caves with stalactites dripping water overhead. It's cool inside, so bring a light jacket in the summer. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes, and staff are there to help you on and off, so it's very stable. If you must go to Huangguoshu, remember to only visit the Big Waterfall section and skip Doupotang and Tianxingqiao. The escalator is CNY 30 one way or CNY 50 round trip—don't skimp on this. After taking the escalator down, it's just a five-minute walk to see the front of the waterfall. ⏰ Get to both scenic areas early. Enter as soon as they open at 8:30 AM; after 10:00 AM, tour groups arrive in droves, and you could end up waiting in line for the boardwalk for half an hour. 4️⃣ Zhanjiang | Guangdong Huguangyan (Huguang Rock) sounds gentle, but you need to be careful when walking it. The loop around the lake is 7 km, so don't let your parents walk the whole thing. Just walking the east bank is enough. The path is paved with volcanic rock, making it flat and easy to walk, and there's plenty of shade by the lake with stone benches to sit on whenever you get tired. The lake surface is as still as a mirror, with only ripples when the wind blows, and the air has a faint scent of grass and trees that you can't smell anywhere else. 🍜 After touring the lake, head straight to Chikan Old Street for Zhanjiang chicken. The poached chicken with sand ginger dipping sauce is so tender the meat falls off the bone. The Shuijingtou breakfast shop on the old street is only open until 11:00 AM, so you'll need to go early if you want their seafood porridge. ⚠️ The ticket for Huguangyan is CNY 50, and seniors get half price with their ID card, so remember to bring it. 5️⃣ Beihai | Guangxi The 5th one is the place I most want to recommend to everyone traveling with their parents. Weizhou Island plus Beihai Silver Beach makes for a three-day, two-night trip with a pace so slow it feels like retirement. On the first day, don't go to the island; stay at Beihai Silver Beach. The sand at Silver Beach is fine and white, and it feels soft and comfortable on bare feet. Go after 5:30 PM when the sun isn't as harsh and the seawater has been warmed by the sun. Let your parents take off their shoes and walk along the waves—it's more relaxing than any foot massage. On the second morning, take a boat to Weizhou Island. The trip takes 70 minutes; buy business class for wider seats and less bumping. After arriving on the island, rent an electric scooter with a driver for CNY 100 a day so you can stop wherever you want. First, go to Crocodile Mountain Park. The boardwalk is built along the sea, with black and red volcanic rocks. The waves crashing against the reefs create white foam and make a loud sound, but you don't have to climb high, as the whole path is flat. In the evening, watch the sunset at Dishui Danping. The sea is dyed gold, and your parents will sit quietly for a long time. ⚠️ You must book boat tickets and park tickets three days in advance; during peak season, there are basically no tickets available on the day of. If your parents get motion sickness, have them take motion sickness medicine 30 minutes before. 6️⃣ Wuhu | Anhui Fantawild Adventure is the only purely amusement-based destination on this list, but don't let the word "amusement" scare you off—it's very senior-friendly. After entering the park, grab a map and head straight to the "Fly Over Limits" and "Light of Life" indoor attractions. Both involve sitting and watching a giant screen, so you don't have to wait in line too long, and the visual effects are breathtaking—your parents will definitely say "wow." For outdoor attractions, the "Carousel" and "Little Train" are slow-paced and you can ride them together. For lunch, eat at the "Western Restaurant" in the park. A set meal is CNY 38, with both meat and vegetables, which is much more reasonable than other scenic areas. ⚠️ Definitely don't take your parents on the "Fire Meteor" roller coaster. Don't ask me how I know; my mom didn't speak to me for three days after getting off. 🎫 I recommend buying an afternoon ticket—enter at 2:00 PM and stay until 9:00 PM. The ticket price is half off, and you don't have to wait in line under the hot sun. 7️⃣ Sanming | Fujian Dajin Lake and Taining Ancient City are great to visit together—one is peaceful, the other is lively. In the morning, take a boat tour of Dajin Lake. The boat is a covered vessel, so you can sit and watch the Danxia landforms on both sides of the lake as the red rock walls rise from the water like a long scroll slowly unfolding. Ganlu Temple is halfway up the mountain; it's a 10-minute walk up stone steps from the boat. It's not steep, but the steps are a bit narrow, so just hold onto the handrails. In the afternoon, go to Taining Ancient City, which is livelier than the lake. The Shangshudai ancient architectural complex is worth the CNY 60 ticket. The light shines through the courtyards of the old houses, and the carved doors and windows are well-preserved. After exploring, eat a warm mushroom bun (Nuangu bao) in the ancient city. The skin is green, and the filling has dried bamboo shoots and meat. They cost CNY 5 each, and when you take a hot bite, the juices flow out. ⚠️ There are only three boat trips a day for Dajin Lake. If you miss the 10:30 AM boat, you'll have to wait until 2:00 PM, which will mess up your schedule, so booking a day in advance is the safest bet. 8️⃣ Chengde | Hebei Chengde Mountain Resort is the ultimate gift for your parents. Enter through Lizheng Gate and don't just rush through; take the mountain tour bus for CNY 60 per person. There is commentary throughout the trip, and the bus stops at three or four viewpoints where you can see the entire lake area of the resort and Qingchui Peak in the distance. After getting off, walk slowly along the lake. The lake reflects the pavilions, and the breeze blowing from the water is cool—it's a different world from the outside. In the afternoon, go to the Jinshanling Great Wall. Don't choose Badaling; Jinshanling has fewer people and has a cable car. Take the cable car up to the General Tower, then walk a short distance to see the Great Wall winding through the mountains. This section of the wall has a gentle slope and low steps. My mom is 70, and she was still smiling and taking photos after walking a section. ⚠️ There are many "unofficial guides" soliciting tourists at the entrance of the Mountain Resort; ignore them. The official audio guide for the scenic area is CNY 20 and is better than them. 🍜 In the evening, have a bowl of buckwheat helo noodles in Chengde, paired with a donkey meat burger—you can eat your fill for about CNY 30 per person. The core of traveling with parents is simple: take one less step, share one more smile. I've personally visited all 8 of these places. Which one suits your parents? Let's chat in the comments.

September brings a slight respite from the summer heat, easing the pressure of finding accommodation and managing queues. When traveling with children, avoid trying to do too much; focus on quality over quantity, allow ample time for rest, and prioritize a positive experience over the number of attractions visited. These eight cities offer abundant natural scenery, and with proper planning of public transportation and light meals, per capita costs are relatively easy to control. 01 Qiqihar | Heilongjiang In September, the Zhalong Ecological Tourism Area is pleasantly cool, and the reeds are beginning to turn yellow. ⏰ Try to arrive in the morning. Check the schedule for the day's science activities before walking along the boardwalk. Watching flocks of birds skimming across the water is a truly immersive experience, and children are more attentive than when listening to lectures indoors. 📍 After entering from the visitor center, follow the main boardwalk back and forth. Avoid taking children along side paths. The scenic area is open with limited shade, so bring hats, sunscreen, and light jackets. Strollers can handle some flat sections, but for deeper exploration, lightweight baby carriers are more convenient. Stay near Longsha Park for convenient access to meals and supplies. 🍜 In the afternoon, head back to town for some barbecue, cold noodles, or sweet and sour pork. A small amount shared among several people is enough. Don't buy a bunch of "birdwatching gear"; ordinary binoculars are sufficient, and kids are likely to get bored after ten minutes. 02 Tongren | Guizhou Fanjingshan is not a place where willpower is the best approach. If children are young, take the cable car if necessary, saving your energy for the mountain trails. 🚄 After arriving in Tongren, consider staying overnight in Jiangkou. Departing early the next morning is easier than traveling across cities on the same day and reduces temporary accommodation costs near the scenic area. ⏰ Entering the mountain in the morning is safer, as the weather changes rapidly in the afternoon. Mushroom Rock is suitable for family photos; the steps to Red Cloud Golden Summit are steep and narrow. If it's rainy, foggy, or your children are timid, skip it—it's not worth sacrificing your family's knees for a single photo. 📍 After descending the mountain, head back to Jiangkou town for rice tofu and beef noodles; prices are usually more reasonable than inside the scenic area. Check official announcements for tickets, cable car fares, and park entry times in advance. Prepare raincoats and drinking water in the town beforehand to avoid being forced to buy things at the entrance. 03 Lhasa | Tibet The biggest mistake here is scheduling a full day. Upon arrival, stay near the Potala Palace or the outskirts of Barkhor Street for easy walking and rest. ⚠️ With children, start with slow walking and avoid running and jumping. If they show obvious discomfort, stop immediately and seek professional help. On the second morning, visit the Potala Palace. Reservations and entry requirements are subject to official announcements for the day. 📍 In the afternoon, explore the area around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, avoiding crowded popular spots. Let children explore the streets and enjoy the sunshine; this is more comfortable than continuous queuing and will save you from buying unnecessary souvenirs. Namtso Lake is far away and at a higher altitude; it's not recommended to rush there the day after arrival. ⏰ Allow at least some time for acclimatization before planning a full-day itinerary, and confirm the weather, transportation, and travel assistance in advance. September mornings and evenings are chilly, so don't skimp on a down-filled inner layer and a windproof jacket just to keep your luggage light. 04 Handan|Hebei To minimize walking, don't cram Guangfu Ancient City and Wa Huang Palace into the same day. Guangfu Ancient City is flat, making it suitable for strollers. 📍 Enter from the South Gate and stroll leisurely along the main street, then visit the water features near the city wall. Renting a bike or taking a boat ride isn't essential; children often get tired after just ten minutes. ⏰ Guangfu is best visited in the morning or evening; return to your guesthouse to rest when it gets too hot at midday. For lunch, find local snacks like he luo noodles and donkey meat outside the ancient city. Ask about the portion sizes before ordering, as northern dishes are often more substantial than expected, and you'll have to carry the excess food. Wa Huang Palace has many steps, making it more suitable for older children with good stamina. ⚠️ If traveling with young children, you can explore only the lower area; whether to use the park's transportation depends on the day's conditions. For accommodation, choose the area near Handan East Railway Station for easy transfers; if you prioritize tranquility, staying one night near Guangfu will offer a more relaxed experience. 05 Baoshan | Yunnan In Tengchong, it's best to stay on the outskirts of Heshun Ancient Town. You can walk into the ancient town in the morning and evening, prices are usually more reasonable than in the main streets, and transportation is convenient. ⏰ In the early morning, take a leisurely walk along the Shuanghong Bridge and Xiyating Pavilion area; it's less crowded and the light is softer. The cobblestone streets aren't very stroller-friendly, so a lightweight stroller is more suitable. Beihai Wetland is best visited in the morning to see the meadows and water, while Tengchong Volcanic Hot Spring Tourist Area is best visited in the cooler afternoon. 📍 These two areas are in different directions, so don't force them to be on the same day just to save on a night's accommodation. Check the price of each attraction's activities first; if children aren't particularly interested, stick to the basic routes. Tengchong Yunfeng Mountain is more physically demanding; younger children shouldn't be forced to participate. 🍜 In the evening, return to the outskirts of Heshun Ancient Town for Ersi (rice noodles) and Tuguozi (clay pot dishes); it's more economical for families to share. September brings occasional showers. Non-slip shoes are more reliable than new shoes for photos; new shoes that get wet and rub are a nightmare to wear. 06 Yichang | Hubei Taking kids to the Yangtze River Three Gorges is less tiring by boat than continuous uphill climbing, but be sure to check the dock, duration, and return route carefully. 🚄 Stay near Yichang East Railway Station or Wanda Plaza. The former is suitable for early morning commute, while the latter offers more dining options. Don't just stay in a location with limited taxi access for the sake of river views. The Three Gorges Family Scenic Area is great for viewing the riverbanks and stilted houses. The Three Gorges Waterfall is even more spectacular after rain. ⚠️ The waterfall area is slippery; raincoats and non-slip shoes are essential. Young children shouldn't try to walk through the waterfall; getting soaked and crying all the way won't save them, no matter how beautiful the scenery. The Qingjiang Gallery is best visited in a separate day. ⏰ Take a boat in the morning and return in the afternoon; children can rest on the boat. For meals, you can choose Tujia-style "Taigezi" (a type of local snack), roasted potatoes, and radish dumplings. Only simple meals are available within the scenic area; main meals should be taken back to the city, making it easier to stay on budget. 07 Zhangjiajie | Hunan The Wulingyuan Scenic Area is large; don't believe in trying to "finish it all in one day" for family trips. 📍 Choose accommodation near the East Gate of Wulingyuan. This makes it easier to enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the morning, and you can find noodle shops, home-style restaurants, and convenience stores in the evening. You can also buy water without paying the scenic area price. If your child can walk steadily, you can choose the Bailong Elevator to connect to Yuanjiajie, and then decide whether to continue based on their physical condition. ⏰ Enter the park as soon as it opens in the morning to avoid group tours. Strollers are less useful on steps and at transfer points; baby carriers are more flexible. If traveling with elderly people, you should proactively adjust the route. Tianmen Mountain can be booked for another day, and stay near the cable car station in the city. ⚠️ Use your cable car ticket according to the reserved time slot. Don't focus on taking photos of the glass walkway when it's foggy in the mountains. In September, bring a light windproof jacket, as there's a significant temperature difference between the mountains and the city. Bring fewer snacks to avoid the misery of carrying a child and backpack all the way. 08 Sanming | Fujian Dajin Lake and Taining Ancient City are perfect for a two-day, one-night trip. Arrive in Taining on the afternoon of the first day, stay on the outskirts of the ancient city, drop off your luggage, and then take a stroll. 📍 Explore the Shangshu Lane area at a leisurely pace. The streets are small, and you can easily return to your room if the children get tired, and have dinner along the way. On the morning of the second day, go to Dajin Lake. The boat route and docking points are subject to change based on the day's schedule. ⏰ The early morning boat trip is usually quieter, and the light on the lake is softer. Hold your child's hand when boarding and disembarking, as the steps on the shore can be slippery when wet. Don't chase after extra experiences; the basic boat route already offers views of the main mountains and water. 🍜 Back in the ancient city, try local snacks like warm mushroom buns and jade rolls. Sample a small amount first, and add more if you like. Families driving can keep drinking water and rain gear in the car; for public transportation, confirm the last bus or train in advance to avoid hailing a long-distance taxi at the scenic area entrance – the money saved can be enough for a meal. Low spending doesn't mean being stingy all the way, but rather avoiding changing hotels less, buying fewer impulsive items, and allowing time for a midday rest each day. For my first long trip with my child, I prefer Qiqihar, Handan, and Sanming; the routes are gentler and offer more flexibility. In September, the summer heat gradually subsides, and the pressure of accommodation and queues eases up. When traveling with children, don't try to do too much; choose fewer but better attractions, allow enough time for a midday rest, and prioritize the child's mood over the number of sightseeing spots. These eight cities have many natural landscapes, and with reasonable planning of public transportation and simple meals, per capita spending is relatively easy to control. 01 Qiqihar | Heilongjiang In September, the Zhalong Ecological Tourism Area is pleasantly cool, and the reeds are beginning to turn yellow. ⏰ Try to arrive in the morning; check the schedule of the day's science activities before walking along the boardwalk. Seeing flocks of birds skimming across the water is a truly immersive experience, and children pay more attention than when listening to lectures indoors. 📍 After entering from the visitor center, follow the main boardwalk back and forth; avoid taking children onto side paths. The scenic area is open with little shade, so bring hats, sunscreen, and light jackets. Strollers can handle some of the flatter sections, but for deeper exploration, lightweight baby carriers are more convenient. Staying near Longsha Park makes dining and supplies convenient. 🍜 In the afternoon, head back to the city for barbecue, cold noodles, or sweet and sour pork; sharing is enough for a few people. Don't buy a bunch of "birdwatching gear"; ordinary binoculars are sufficient, and children are likely to get bored after ten minutes. 02 Tongren | Guizhou Fanjingshan is not suitable for those who rely on willpower. If children are young, take the cable car if necessary, saving your energy for the mountain trails. 🚄 After arriving in Tongren, consider staying overnight in Jiangkou and setting off early the next morning. This is easier than traveling across cities on the same day and can reduce temporary accommodation expenses around the scenic area. ⏰ Entering the mountains in the morning is safer, as the weather can change rapidly in the afternoon. Mushroom Rock is suitable for family photos; the steps to Red Cloud Golden Summit are steep and narrow, so it's best to skip it if it's rainy, foggy, or if children are timid—it's not worth sacrificing your family's knees for a single photo. 📍 After descending the mountain, head back to Jiangkou town for rice tofu and beef noodles; prices are usually more reasonable than inside the scenic area. Check the official announcements for tickets, cable car fares, and park entry times in advance. Prepare raincoats and drinking water in town to avoid being forced to buy them at the entrance. 03 Lhasa|Tibet The worst thing you can do here is to have a packed schedule on your first day. Upon arrival, stay near the Potala Palace or on the outskirts of Barkhor Street for easy walking and to return to your room to rest. ⚠️ With children, start with slow walking and avoid running and jumping. If they show obvious signs of discomfort, immediately stop sightseeing and seek professional help. The next morning, visit the Potala Palace. Reservations and entry requirements are subject to official announcements on the day. 📍 In the afternoon, explore the outer perimeter of Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, avoiding the crowds at popular photo spots. Letting children explore the streets and enjoy the sunshine is more comfortable than continuous queues and saves you from buying unnecessary souvenirs. Namtso Lake is far away and at a higher altitude, so it's not recommended to rush there the day after arrival. ⏰ Allow at least some time to acclimatize before planning a formal day trip, and confirm the weather, transportation, and support arrangements in advance. September mornings and evenings are cold, so don't skimp on down jackets and windproof coats for the sake of light luggage. 04 Handan|Hebei To minimize walking, don't cram Guangfu Ancient City and Wa Huang Palace into the same day. Guangfu Ancient City has flat terrain, suitable for strollers. 📍 Enter from the South Gate, stroll slowly along the main street, and then visit the water features near the city wall. Renting a car or taking a boat trip is not essential; children often get tired after ten minutes of riding. ⏰ Guangfu is best visited in the morning or evening; return to your guesthouse to rest during the midday sun. For lunch, find local snacks like he luo noodles and donkey meat outside the ancient town. Ask about the portion size before ordering, as northern-style plates are often larger than expected, and you'll have to carry the excess. The Wa Huang Palace has many steps, making it more suitable for older children with good stamina. ⚠️ If traveling with young children, you can only explore the lower area; whether to take the scenic area's transportation depends on the day's situation. Choose accommodation near Handan East Railway Station for easy travel; if you prioritize tranquility, staying overnight near Guangfu will be much more relaxing. 05 Baoshan|Yunnan In Tengchong, it's advisable to stay on the outskirts of Heshun Ancient Town. You can walk into the ancient town in the morning and evening, prices are usually more reasonable than in the main streets, and transportation is convenient. ⏰ In the early morning, take a leisurely walk along the Shuanghong Bridge and Xishating area; it's less crowded and the light is softer. The cobblestone streets aren't very stroller-friendly; lightweight strollers are more suitable. Beihai Wetland is best visited in the morning to see the meadows and water, while Tengchong Volcanic Hot Spring Tourist Area is best enjoyed in the cooler afternoon. 📍 These two destinations are in different directions, so don't force them to be on the same day just to save on a night's accommodation. Check the price of individual attractions first; if your child isn't particularly interested, stick to the basic routes. Tengchong Yunfeng Mountain is more physically demanding, so younger children shouldn't be forced to participate. 🍜 In the evening, eat Ersi (rice noodles) and Tuguozi (clay pot dishes) on the outskirts of Heshun Ancient Town; it's more economical for families to share. September has occasional showers, so non-slip shoes are more reliable than new shoes for photos. New shoes will get wet and cause blisters, which you'll regret wearing. 06 Yichang|Hubei When taking children to see the Yangtze River Three Gorges, a cruise is less tiring than continuous uphill climbs, but be sure to check the dock, duration, and return method. 🚄 Stay near Yichang East Railway Station or Wanda Plaza. The former is suitable for early morning transfers, while the latter offers more dining options. Don't just choose a river view and end up in a location with limited taxi availability. The Three Gorges Family Scenic Area is great for viewing the riverbanks and stilted houses; the Three Gorges Waterfall is even more spectacular after rain. ⚠️ The waterfall area is slippery, so raincoats and non-slip shoes are essential. Young children shouldn't attempt to walk through the waterfall; getting soaked and crying all the way won't save them, no matter how beautiful the scenery. The Qingjiang Gallery is best visited in a separate day. ⏰ Take a boat trip in the morning and return in the afternoon; children can rest on the boat. For meals, consider Tujia-style "carried lattice" (a type of stew), roasted potatoes, and radish dumplings. Only light meals are available within the scenic area; main meals can be had back in the city, making it easier to stay on budget. 07 Zhangjiajie | Hunan The Wulingyuan Scenic Area is large; don't believe you can "find it all in one day" for a family trip. 📍 Choose accommodation near the East Gate of Wulingyuan. This makes it easier to enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the morning, and you can find noodle shops, home-style restaurants, and convenience stores in the evening. You can also buy water without paying the scenic area price. If your child is able to walk steadily, you can choose to connect to Yuanjiajie via the Bailong Elevator, and then decide whether to continue based on their physical condition. ⏰ Enter the park as soon as it opens in the morning to avoid the crowds of tour groups. Strollers are of limited use on steps and at transfer points; baby carriers are more flexible. If traveling with elderly people, you should proactively adjust the route. Tianmen Mountain can be booked for another day, and stay near the cable car station in the city. ⚠️ Use cable car tickets according to the reserved time slot. Don't be obsessed with taking photos of the glass walkway when it's foggy in the mountains. Bring a light windproof jacket in September, as there is a significant temperature difference between the mountain and the city; bring fewer snacks to avoid the misery of carrying a child and backpack all the way. 08 Sanming|Fujian Dajin Lake and Taining Ancient City are suitable for a two-day, one-night trip. Arrive in Taining on the afternoon of the first day, stay on the outskirts of the ancient city, drop off your luggage, and then take a walk. 📍 Stroll slowly around Shangshu Lane. The streets are not large, and you can easily return to your room if your child gets tired, and you can also have dinner along the way. The next morning, we'll go to Dajin Lake. The boat route and docking points are subject to change based on the day's schedule. ⏰ The early morning boats are usually quieter, and the light on the lake is softer. Hold your children's hands tightly when boarding and disembarking, as the steps along the shore can be slippery when wet. Don't chase after extra experiences; the basic boat route already offers views of the main mountains and waters. 🍜 Back in the ancient town, try local snacks like warm mushroom buns and jade rolls. Sample a small amount first, and order more if you like. Families driving can leave drinking water and rain gear in the car; those using public transportation should confirm the last bus in advance to avoid calling a long-distance taxi at the scenic area entrance—the money saved could be enough for a meal. Low spending doesn't mean being stingy all the way, but rather avoiding changing hotels, buying impulsive activities, and allowing time for a midday rest each day. For this first long trip with my child, I prefer Qiqihar, Handan, and Sanming; the routes are gentler and allow for more flexibility.