Enjoy a great trip even on just the weekend! Eight cool hidden gems—have you picked your destination yet?
🏕Luyashan, Shanxi
30-word highlights: Northern Shanxi’s high mountain forests paired with a millennia-old ice cave. Escape the summer heat at zero degrees inside the cave. Open alpine meadows, beautiful off-the-beaten-path spots with few visitors
Best time: 8 AM to 4 PM in July and August, ideal temperatures and best experience inside the ice cave
Transportation: Take high-speed rail to Ningwu Station and charter a car, or drive 3 hours from Taiyuan directly to the scenic area
Must-see: Millennia-old ice cave, cliffside plank road, Malun grassland, Shimen hanging coffins sightseeing
Photo tips: Dreamy ice cave scenes, panoramic alpine meadows, forest and cliff landscapes with portraits
Food: Ningwu minced noodles, stewed lamb, oat noodles, wild mushroom stew
Avoid pitfalls: Large temperature difference inside and outside the ice cave—bring a thick jacket. Take care on the cliffside plank road and only proceed if confident
🌊Dachen Island, Taizhou
30-word highlights: East China Sea’s pristine island with extensive reefs, clear blue waters, fishing boats in view. Quiet with few people, affordable seafood, refreshing summer sea breeze
Best time: After 4 PM in July and August to avoid harsh sunlight and capture sunset sea views
Transportation: Take a boat from Jiaojiang Pier to the island, explore by electric cart
Must-see: Spirit of reclamation exhibition hall, Jiawu Rock viewpoint, island cycling, mudflat sea foraging
Photo tips: Close-ups of reef waves, coastal road portraits, sunset with fishing boats
Food: Fresh small seafood, yellow croaker noodles, seaweed pancakes, fisherman's seafood stir-fry
Avoid pitfalls: Check boat schedules in advance due to unpredictable sea conditions. Reefs are slippery—do not climb
🌲Xiannvshan, Wulong, Chongqing
30-word highlights: Southern highland grassland with a steady 22℃ summer temperature. Forest and grassland blend, camping and horseback riding available, cool mountain retreat away from city heat
Best time: Early morning for grassland mist, evening for wide-open sunset views in July and August
Transportation: 2.5-hour drive from Chongqing city, tourist buses from the 4 km hub station
Must-see: Xiannvshan grassland, Tian Sheng San Qiao, Longshui Gorge, stroll around Xiannvshan town
Photo tips: Distant shots of grassland sheep, karst canyon landscapes, atmospheric forest road photos
Food: Wulong bowl lamb, sweet potato noodles with cured meat, alpine roasted potatoes
Avoid pitfalls: Frequent rain in the mountains—bring an umbrella. Negotiate prices in advance for private horseback riding on the grassland
🏔Liuba, Shaanxi
30-word highlights: Lesser-known small town on the southern Qinling foothills. Winding mountain roads with continuous greenery, cool streams and valleys, peaceful rural homestays, perfect for self-driving trips
Best time: All day in July and August with dense shade. Visit the canyon in the morning and drive the mountain road in the evening
Transportation: Transfer by shuttle from Hanzhong high-speed rail station, or a smooth 3-hour drive from Xi’an
Must-see: Zibai Mountain, Shizigou ranch, plank road water world, old street folk culture
Photo tips: Aerial shots of winding mountain roads, portraits with cattle and sheep at the ranch, canyon streams and shallow water
Food: Liuba native chicken soup, Qinling wild mushrooms, firewood-roasted chicken, potato cakes
Avoid pitfalls: Many sharp turns on mountain roads—slow down. Watch your step near streams to avoid slipping
🌴Shangchuan Island, Guangdong
30-word highlights: Long sandy beaches near the Pearl River Delta, clear waters, vibrant fishing villages, camping with sunrise views, excellent summer vacation value
Best time: Morning for sea foraging, evening for beach walks and watching the sunset over the sea in July and August
Transportation: Take a boat from Shanzui Pier in Taishan. Vehicles can be ferried onto the island
Must-see: Feisha Beach water activities, Shadi fishing village market, west coast sunset viewing, island cycling
Photo tips: Panoramic sandy beaches, fishing village and boat street scenes, sunset portraits by the sea
Food: Freshly caught seafood, sea urchin fried rice, fisherman's porridge, local seafood snacks
Avoid pitfalls: Swim only at official beaches. Island supplies are limited—consider buying essentials in advance
🏞Tonggu, Jiangxi
30-word highlights: Hidden forested area in northwest Jiangxi with bamboo seas and waterfalls, cool temperatures, full range of rafting and water activities, off the beaten path with almost no crowds
Best time: Morning for forest exploration, afternoon rafting to avoid sun exposure in July and August
Transportation: Transfer by bus from Yichun, or a 2-hour drive from Nanchang directly to the county scenic area
Must-see: Tianzhu Peak rafting, Qixingling outdoor skiing, bamboo sea hiking, Hakka ancient village tours
Photo tips: Portraits by waterfalls and streams, wide shots of vast bamboo seas, mirror-like reflections of forest lakes
Food: Hakka cured meat, Tonggu stuffed buns, native chicken soup, stir-fried wild bamboo shoots
Avoid pitfalls: Keep electronic devices safe during rafting. Travel in groups in deep mountains and use insect repellent
🌫Zengjiashan, Sichuan
30-word highlights: Famous summer retreat mountain in northern Sichuan with an average 20℃ temperature, many karst caves, scattered rural villages, stress-free travel and leisure
Best time: All day in July and August. Morning mountain views, afternoon cave cooling
Transportation: Direct tourist line from Guangyuan city, 3.5-hour drive from Chengdu
Must-see: Shisunping, underground caves, Chuandong’an, alpine fruit picking, rural walks
Photo tips: Panoramic stone forest mountain views, cave light and shadow portraits, rural village and mountain scenery
Food: Zengjia cured meat, Jianmen tofu, farmhouse native chicken, alpine mixed grain cakes
Avoid pitfalls: Cave floors are slippery—walk carefully. Large temperature differences in the mountains—bring a light jacket
🌿Jiangbulake, Xinjiang
30-word highlights: Wheat fields and grasslands at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, surrounded by snowy peaks and pine forests. Wheat waves roll in July and August, vast natural scenery with few visitors
Best time: 6 PM to 8 PM in July and August for the best sunset light over the wheat fields
Transportation: Charter a car from Qitai County, 2.5-hour drive from Urumqi
Must-see: Ten-thousand-acre wheat field sightseeing, strange slope experience, Tianshan strange slope, grassland hiking and sightseeing
Photo tips: Golden wheat waves with portraits, snowy mountain and grassland combos, pine forest wide shots
Food: Qitai yellow noodles, hand-pulled meat, wheat-flavored noodles, grassland milk tea
Avoid pitfalls: Long distances between scenic spots—bring enough drinking water. Do not enter private farmland or trample crops