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

The key is to avoid paying for tea, charging, or tickets just because you're too shy to ask 😏 10 things you can get for free in China. For search: free — free — 免费 I’m used to travel money vanishing just by looking at a station vending machine. But in China, many useful things are actually available for free—if you know where to look and what to ask. 1. Hot Water — 开水 / 热水 At train stations, airports, and some public buildings, there are hot water dispensers. Bring a thermos or a mug, as disposable cups aren't always provided. Look for the sign 小心烫, which means "caution, hot" ♨️ 2. Public Toilets — 公共厕所 They are free in most cities. Search for 公共厕所 or 卫生间. Toilet paper isn't always available, so keeping tissues in your bag is a small investment in your emotional peace of mind. 3. State Museums — 公共博物馆 Many museums are free to visit, but they require a booking: Free Reservation — 免费预约. You usually need a passport, and bookings are made through the museum's official WeChat account. "Free" here doesn't mean "just walk in and smile nicely" 🏛️ 4. City Parks — 城市公园 Regular parks, walking areas, and green zones are often open for free. Use 公园 (park) or 免费开放 (free admission) to find them. Note that rides or specific pavilions inside might still charge a fee. 5. Riverside Viewpoints — 免费观景台 Look for: City Terrace — 城市阳台 Riverside Park — 江滩公园 Viewing Platform — 观景台 Sometimes the best view of a paid attraction is from the free bank across the river. China knows how to do financial irony 🌉 6. Hotel Luggage Storage — 酒店行李寄存 Many hotels store guests' bags for free before check-in or after check-out. Ask: Can I store my luggage for free? 可以免费寄存行李吗? Storage at train stations and private lockers usually costs money. 7. Water or Tea in Restaurants — 白开水 / 茶水 In many simple eateries, hot water or basic tea is provided for free, but not everywhere. Clarify: Is this free? 这个免费吗? Because that teapot on the table might not be hospitality—it could be a paid plot twist 🍵 8. Charging Outlets — 充电插座 Free outlets can be found on high-speed trains, at stations, airports, and in libraries. Look for 免费充电 (free charging). However, rental power banks (共享充电宝) are not free and can sometimes be as pricey as a good restaurant meal. 9. Tourist Assistance and Maps — 旅游咨询 At Tourist Service Centers (游客服务中心), you can get free info on routes, transport, and schedules. Sometimes they provide paper maps: Free Tourist Map — 免费旅游地图. 10. Free Samples — 免费试吃 / 免费试喝 At food markets, tea exhibitions, and some shops, you can sample food or tea. 试吃 means "try food," and 试喝 means "try a drink." Remember, it’s a tasting, not an all-you-can-eat buffet—stay classy 😄 My go-to Chinese "spell": 这个免费吗? Is this free? This one short question helps you get useful services without finding surprise charges for tea on your bill. In China, many things are free—except for tourist carelessness ❤️

In China, you can travel halfway across the city, have breakfast, and visit a museum for less than the cost of a cup of coffee—but the tourist streets will try to hide it 😏 Search: cheap — 便宜 China can be expensive, especially if you buy everything opposite a tourist attraction. But as soon as you turn into the area where the locals eat breakfast and travel, my wallet suddenly stops breathing nervously. 1. City Buses — 公交车 A standard ride often costs 1-2 yuan. It's easy to search for routes and stops using the terms 公交线路 and 公交站. The main thing is to avoid getting on a bus that will take you to the suburbs in an hour. 2. Metro — 地铁 In most cities, a short ride starts at around 2-3 yuan. To find a station, type the station name plus "地铁站." Even the subway in China is sometimes cheaper than water at a European airport 🚇 3. Shared Bikes - 共享单车 A short ride usually costs around 1.50-3.00 yuan, but the rate varies by city and service. Look for "美团单车," "哈啰单车," or "青桔单车." You'll need an app and Chinese payment. 4. Bottled Water - 矿泉水 At a supermarket or convenience store, a bottle often costs 1-3.00 yuan. Look for "超市" (supermarket) or "便利店" (convenience store). In a tourist area, the same water suddenly gets a new biography and a new price. 5. Chinese Breakfast — 中式早餐 A baozi bun — 包子 — often costs 2-4 yuan, soy milk — 豆浆 — around 2-5 yuan. To search, type 早餐店 — breakfast shop. For 10-15 yuan, you can have a breakfast like you're on a factory floor. 🥟 6. Local Noodles and Rice — 面馆 / 快餐店 A bowl of noodles or rice often costs 10-20 yuan. Look for 面馆 — noodle shop, 小吃店 — snack shop, or 快餐店 — quick-service restaurant. The interior may be modest, but the portion size is usually unfamiliar with the concept of "tasting." 7. Printing and Copies — Printing and Copies — 打印复印 You can print a ticket, insurance card, or a copy of your passport for a few yuan. Look for 打印店 or 图文快印 on maps. It's best to send documents without unnecessary personal information and delete them from your correspondence after printing. 8. Public Museums — 公共博物馆 Many large museums are free, but require advance reservations: 免费预约 — free reservations. A passport is usually required, and reservations can be made through the official WeChat account or mini-program. Free doesn't mean "you can just show up" 🎟️ 9. City Parks and Panoramic Spaces — City Parks — 城市公园 Most regular parks, embankments, and squares are accessible for free. Look for: 公园 — park, 江滩公园 — riverside park, 城市阳台 — city viewing terrace. Sometimes the best view of a paid attraction is on the free opposite bank. 10. Public Toilets and Hot Water — 公共厕所 / 开水 Public toilets are often free: look for 公共厕所 or WC. Free hot water — 开水 or 热水 — can be found at train stations. Therefore, a thermos in China is not an accessory, but almost a way of life. Prices vary by city, and at airports and tourist areas, the savings temporarily stop. I always check the price tag and ask, "How much is it?" Because "almost free" is especially nice when it doesn't come as a surprise when you pay. 😉 #china #chinatravel #chinatrip #tripcom #china

🗺️Tour Route: 🏞️Must-Visit Attractions: Taihang Summit, located on S229 (Yangji Line) in Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province, is a famous spot in the Taihang Mountains. The peaks here are majestic and spectacular, with the rolling mountain range looking even more beautiful against the blue sky and white clouds. Here, you can experience the grandeur and wonder of nature up close, and also enjoy the magnificent views of sunrise and sunset. 🗺️Recommended Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Taihang Summit Scenic Area and visit the main attractions within the park, such as the viewing platform, cliff walkway, and glass observation deck. In the afternoon, you can taste local delicacies at nearby farmhouses, such as Yangcheng oil tea and fried tofu pudding. Day 2: Watch the sunrise in the morning, then continue exploring other attractions in the scenic area, such as the Taihang Summit Glass Walkway and cliff swing. In the afternoon, you can choose to take the cable car down the mountain or hike down, enjoying the scenery along the way. Stay overnight at a farmhouse or return to the city in the evening. 🏞️Attraction Recommendations: 1. Taihang Summit Viewing Platform: This is one of the core attractions in the scenic area, where you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire park. The platform is located at a high point, and on clear days, you can see distant mountain ranges and a sea of clouds, which is truly spectacular. 2. Cliff Walkway: This walkway is located at the heart of the scenic area, built along the cliff, about 1.5 kilometers long. Walking on the walkway allows you to feel the marvels of nature’s craftsmanship while enjoying beautiful views. 3. Glass Observation Deck: This deck is situated on the cliff, covering an area of about 30 square meters, with tempered glass flooring. Standing on the deck offers a thrilling panoramic view of the entire scenic area. 4. Cliff Swing: This swing is located on the edge of a cliff within the scenic area, about 10 meters high. Sitting on the swing gives a strong sensation of weightlessness while allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

3-day Taihang Mountains tour, featuring "majestic canyons + hiking adventure." Traverse the secret realms at the Shanxi-Hebei border, see cliff-hanging roads, cliff waterfalls, and primitive villages. With a budget of 3000 RMB, you can have a hardcore and fulfilling experience. The itinerary follows the classic route of "Wangmangling in Shanxi + Guoliang Village in Henan," unlocking the breathtaking "Taihang Mountains' unparalleled scenery"~ Itinerary Overview Core route: Jincheng → Wangmangling (Shanxi) → Guoliang Village (Henan) → Bali Valley → Return Budget breakdown: Transportation 800 + Accommodation 500 + Tickets 400 + Meals 300 + Others 100 = about 2100 RMB (flexible, can upgrade experience) Day 1: Jincheng → Wangmangling, overnight at the peak of Taihang Morning: Arrive in Jincheng, head to Wangmangling · Transportation guide: · Take the high-speed train to Jincheng East Station (directly accessible from all over the country), then taxi to Wangmangling Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours, 150 RMB), or carpool (50 RMB per person) for a better deal. · Breakfast: Near Jincheng East Station, try "Gaoping Grilled Tofu" (8 RMB) + millet porridge (3 RMB), savory and flavorful, filling and energizing. Afternoon: Climb Wangmangling, overlook the Taihang sea of clouds · Tickets: Wangmangling Scenic Area ticket 80 RMB + sightseeing bus 50 RMB (must buy, the area is large and walking is exhausting). · Must-see highlights: · Xiyagou Cliff-Hanging Road: Take the sightseeing bus through the "First Cliff-Hanging Road of Taihang," a road embedded in sheer cliffs. Opening the window reveals a bottomless abyss. The driver's turning perspective is thrilling; sit on the right side for photos. · Wangmangling Main Peak: Climb the "Taihang Cloud Summit" viewing platform to see peaks piercing the clouds like swords. When the sea of clouds surges, it feels like being in heaven. The soft light between 3-4 pm is perfect for stunning mountain silhouette photos. · Hongyan Grand Canyon: Hike a 1-hour wooden plank trail to see layers of red rock, a babbling stream at the valley bottom, and occasionally mountain goats leaping on cliffs, full of wild charm. Evening: Overnight at Wangmangling homestay · Choose the "Cloud Homestay" inside the scenic area (200-300 RMB/night), with mountain views from the window, dazzling starry skies at night, far from light pollution, perfect for star trail photography. · Dinner: Enjoy the "Taihang Mountain Delicacy Feast" at the homestay (60 RMB per person), including stir-fried wild mushrooms, stewed native chicken, and corn cakes, with ingredients sourced from the mountains, simple and fresh. Day 2: Wangmangling → Guoliang Village, traverse the cliff-hanging road Morning: Hike the "Taihang Cloud Road," explore the ancient village · Early morning sunrise at Wangmangling (6-7 am), sunlight gilds the peaks, the sea of clouds flows beneath, every shot is wallpaper-worthy. · Hike the "Taihang Cloud Road" plank trail (1.5 hours), passing "Little Taihang" and "Woyungang," see the welcoming pine on the cliff, encounter mountain porters, and feel the resilience of Taihang people. Noon: Transfer to Guoliang Village, taste Henan flavors · Transportation: Carpool from Wangmangling to Guoliang Village (1 hour, 30 RMB per person), winding mountain roads at the provincial border with picturesque scenery. · Lunch: In Guoliang Village, try "Henan Braised Noodles" (15 RMB) + cold mixed Jingjie herb salad (10 RMB), rich noodle soup with gluten, and refreshing herb to cut the grease. Afternoon: Guoliang Village cliff-hanging road + film village exploration · Tickets: Wanxianshan Scenic Area (including Guoliang Village) ticket 80 RMB + sightseeing bus 45 RMB. · Must-experience: · Guoliang Cliff-Hanging Road: Hike through one of the "world's ten most dangerous roads," with 35 skylights. Through the skylights, see terraced fields and canyons outside the cliff. More thrilling than riding. Recommended to film a walking video with the caption "Miracle on the Cliff." · Guoliang Film Village: See old houses and ancient bridges built from stones. Many films like "Raise Your Hands" were shot here. Sit on the stone bench under the old locust tree and listen to villagers' stories about carving the road. Evening: Stay at Guoliang Village homestay · Choose the "Cliffside Stone House Homestay" (200-250 RMB/night), stone walls, wooden lattice windows, fall asleep listening to mountain winds, experience the tranquility of Taihang families. Day 3: Guoliang Village → Bali Valley, see Taihang waterfalls Morning: Bali Valley "Northern Water World" · Transportation: Take the scenic area bus from Guoliang Village to Bali Valley (1 hour, 20 RMB). · Tickets: Bali Valley ticket 80 RMB + round-trip sightseeing bus 40 RMB. · Activities: · Tianhe Waterfall: The largest waterfall in Taihang, 170 meters high. During the rainy season, water flows like a pouring Milky Way, mist everywhere. Standing on the viewing platform will get you wet; bring an umbrella. · One Line Sky: Hike through a narrow rock crevice, looking up to see only a line of sky. Moss on the rock walls is wet, very adventurous. · Bamboo Rafting (50 RMB/person, optional): Drift on a calm lake, see green mountains reflected on both sides, boatmen sing mountain songs, leisurely and pleasant. Noon: Eat farmhouse dishes in Bali Valley · Order "Bali Valley Stewed Whole Fish" (40 RMB, freshly caught reservoir fish) + stir-fried wild vegetables (15 RMB), served with corn grits porridge, filling and energizing for the return trip. Afternoon: Return trip · Take a bus from Bali Valley to Xinxiang city center (1.5 hours, 30 RMB), then transfer to high-speed train home, ending the Taihang journey. Budget Details (per person) · Transportation: Round-trip high-speed train + local carpool/taxi about 800 RMB · Accommodation: Wangmangling 250 RMB + Guoliang Village 250 RMB = 500 RMB · Tickets: Wangmangling 130 + Wanxianshan 125 + Bali Valley 120 = 375 RMB · Meals: 100 RMB/day × 3 days = 300 RMB · Others: Snacks, water, raincoat (rainy in scenic areas) = 100 RMB · Total: about 2075 RMB. With a 3000 RMB budget, you can upgrade to private car (more flexible), stay in high-end homestays, or try paragliding (available in Guoliang Village, 500 RMB/session).

Ancient Castle Exploration, Scenic Water and Mountains, The Most Beautiful Shanxi 🌟 Itinerary Overview · Duration: 3 days and 4 nights · Key Attractions: Pingyao Ancient City, Wang Family Courtyard, Xiangyu Ancient Castle, Imperial City Xiangfu, Guoyu Ancient Castle, Huangyadong Grand Canyon · Budget: 3000 RMB per person (including transportation, accommodation, tickets, and meals) · Suitable For: Culture enthusiasts, photography lovers, families with children · Transportation: Local chartered car (flexible and efficient, covering scattered attractions) 🗓️ Daily Itinerary 🔹 Day 1: First Encounter with the Ancient City · Spirit of Jin Merchants · Morning: Arrive in Pingyao, check in to a Ming and Qing courtyard inn inside the ancient city (recommended Deyuchang Inn, with lantern views from the window), stroll along South Street and the County Government Office to experience the ancient city’s lively atmosphere · Afternoon: Visit the core attractions of Pingyao Ancient City (general admission 125 RMB), check in at Rishengchang Draft Bank and Xietongqing Money Shop · Evening: Night tour of the ancient city, try Pingyao beef and Wantuo (a local snack), enjoy the lantern corridor night view · Accommodation: Ming and Qing style guesthouse in Pingyao Ancient City (280 RMB/night, including breakfast for two) 🔹 Day 2: Courtyard Exploration · Ancient Castle Cluster · Morning: Charter a car to Wang Family Courtyard (1.5-hour drive, ticket 55 RMB), admire the “Folk Palace” brick and wood carvings · Afternoon: Head to the Jin City ancient castle cluster, visit Xiangyu Ancient Castle (ticket 40 RMB) and Guoyu Ancient Castle (ticket 35 RMB) in sequence, explore the hidden soldier caves and Yulou Tower · Evening: Stay at a guesthouse near Imperial City Xiangfu (260 RMB/night), taste Jin City stir-fried cold noodles and fried pork · Transportation: Car charter fee 350 RMB/day (including fuel and tolls) 🔹 Day 3: Tracing Xiangfu · Canyon Scenery · Morning: Visit Imperial City Xiangfu (ticket 120 RMB), tour the former residence of Kangxi’s teacher Chen Tingjing, climb Heshan Tower · Afternoon: Drive to Huangyadong Grand Canyon (2-hour drive, ticket 80 RMB), hike to enjoy canyon waterfalls and red revolutionary sites · Evening: Return to Pingyao, stay at an ancient city guesthouse (280 RMB/night) 🔹 Day 4: Return Trip · Souvenir Shopping · Morning: Shop for Pingyao lacquerware and Shanxi aged vinegar · Afternoon: Depart according to return transportation, end of trip 💰 Budget Breakdown (per person) · Transportation: Major transport (round trip to Taiyuan) 500 RMB + local charter 800 RMB = 1300 RMB · Accommodation: 4 nights in guesthouses total 1080 RMB (280+260+280+260) · Tickets: Pingyao 125 + Wang Family 55 + Xiangyu 40 + Guoyu 35 + Imperial City 120 + Huangyadong 80 = 455 RMB · Meals: About 400 RMB for 4 days (100 RMB/day, including local specialties) · Miscellaneous: 165 RMB (souvenirs, drinking water, etc.) · Total: 3000 RMB 📌 Practical Tips 1. Motor vehicles are prohibited inside the ancient city; travel light 2. Attractions are far apart; chartered car is the best choice (book in advance with full insurance) 3. Shanxi is dry; bring lip balm and moisturizer 4. During peak season, book tickets for Imperial City Xiangfu and Pingyao Ancient City in advance

Majestic Taihang Mountains 800 li⛰️ Today I’m sharing my 2-day 1-night light pack hiking guide~ 🚩Day 1 Itinerary: Mawu Village (8:00) → Yixiantian Gorge → Baodu Village (Supply Station) → Xilian Temple → No-Light Tunnel (Thrilling) → Xiyagou → Zhanggou (Overnight at 20:00) 📌Total Distance: 30km ⌛Duration: 12 hours 🥾Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ ✨Highlights: Yixiantian sheer cliff gorge, 500m no-light tunnel challenge! Tips: · Baodu Village and Xilian Temple have supplies (10:00-16:00) · Zhanggou farmhouse stay costs about 50 RMB per person, booking in advance recommended · Bring a headlamp/flashlight🔦 🚩Day 2 Itinerary: Zhanggou (7:00) → Wangmangling (Stunning sunrise) → Kulong Mountain → Shuangru Peak → Dishuizhai (Supply Station) → Hankou Village (Finish at 15:30) 📌Total Distance: 20km ⌛Duration: 8.5 hours 🥾Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ ✨Highlights: Wangmangling sunrise sea of clouds, unique Shuangru Peak landscape! Tips: · Dishuizhai supply station (9:00-14:00) offers light meals · Hankou Village has car services back to Xinxiang (about 60 RMB per person) · Recommended to bring trekking poles 💡Gear List: 20L light backpack Hiking shoes (non-slip!) Sun hat + sunscreen 2L water bladder Energy bars x5 Truly one of the most beautiful hiking routes in South Taihang🌄 This route features the thrilling no-light tunnel and the breathtaking sunrise at Wangmangling! Completing 50km brings a great sense of achievement!

#adventuremoments #china #shanxi #explore 🏰 Step into Secret History Leave tourist trails behind! Huangcheng Xiangfu isn’t in guidebooks — it’s where China’s longest-ruling emperor learned statecraft from his tutor Chen Tingjing. Wander fortress-gardens untouched by mass tourism. ⚔️ Must-Do Highlights 1. Climb the Defense Tower: A 7-story stone tower featuring hidden tunnels and wells. 2. Imperial Treasures: Admire gold-lettered gifts handwritten by the emperor. 3. Morning Ceremony: Enjoy a free 9 AM drum show with costumed scholars (included with entry). 🌄 Views & Vibes - Stroll along turtle-shaped walls (symbolizing longevity) for breathtaking valley panoramas. ℹ️ KEY DETAILS 📍 Official Name: Huangcheng Xiangfu (皇城相府) 📌 Location: Huangcheng Village, Shanxi 🚗 Access: 2-hour drive from Taiyuan ⏰ Hours: 8AM–6PM daily 🎟️ Entry: ~$15 USD | Kids free (<1.2m) 📸 Tip: Weekdays = empty photo ops! Perfect for: History lovers, photographers & seekers of real China beyond big cities.

Shanxi is a place with a super rich history and culture.✨ Have you been to these 9 must-see attractions? 1️⃣ Mount Wutai 🏔️ 📍 Xinzhou City 🧘‍♀️ A sacred Buddhist site, the dojo of Manjushri Bodhisattva, experience the tranquility and solemnity of this ancient temple. 2️⃣ Yungang Grottoes 🖌️ 📍 Datong City 🎨 A treasure trove of stone carving art, each Buddha statue tells a thousand-year-old story. 3️⃣ Pingyao Ancient City 🏰 📍 Jinzhong City 🚶‍♂️ Under the ancient city walls, on the stone-paved roads, travel through time and experience the prosperity of ancient city life. 4️⃣ Mount Mian 🌳 📍 Jinzhong City 🏞️ Picturesque scenery and numerous historical sites, feel the magic of nature and the profoundness of human history. 5️⃣ Taihang Grand Canyon 🏞️ 📍 Changzhi City 🏞️ Deep canyons and towering peaks, go hiking and explore the magnificence of the Taihang Mountains. 6️⃣ The Imperial City of the Prime Minister 🏛️ 📍 Jincheng City 🏰 The former residence of Chen Tingjing, a famous minister of the Qing Dynasty, with magnificent architecture and profound cultural heritage, it's like stepping into the long river of history. 7️⃣ Hanging Temple 🏯 📍 Datong City 🚀 Built on a cliff, incredibly dangerous, experience the wisdom and courage of ancient craftsmen. 8️⃣ Hukou Waterfall 🌊 📍 Linfen City 💦 The water of the Yellow River comes from the sky, the Hukou Waterfall is magnificent and shocking, a paradise for photographers. 9️⃣ Yanmen Pass 🏰 📍 Xinzhou City 🛡️ An important ancient frontier fortress and a key part of the Great Wall, standing on the gate tower, you can almost hear the echoes of history.

Guo Yu Old Town (郭峪古城) is located in Jincheng, Shanxi Province, China. Accessible by private car or bus, it it located almost directly opposite the House of the Huangcheng Chancellor. Cross the small square and you can buy tickets at the front gate. Once inside, you will be lost in a maze of small courtyards and alleys, decorated with beautifully-colorer umbrellas...providing a perfect backdrop for taking photos. The architecture is old and charming and walk to the back to see the impressive tower for a close-up photo. It is quiet here during the daytime because this place comes to life at night, where it is lit up and many tourists come to witness the pretty spectacle. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area anyway. #2023travelwish #tripblazers #shanxi

The famous House of the Huangcheng Chancellor (皇城相府-总宪府) is located near to to the city of Jincheng in northern China's Shanxi Province. This place can be reached by car or bus and the best time to visit is Spring or Summer, as the warm sunshine allows for good photo conditions. Tour guides are available at the front gate, along with maps and souvenirs. The place itself is fantastic for exploring, as there are numerous small alleyways and courtyards. You can also go inside the many buildings and see the beautiful relics and artefacts. The architecture is stunning and mysterious at the same time. Climb to the upper terrrace to see the wonderful tower and a panorama of the surrounding countryside. I highly recommend a visit to this place because of it's historical importance and amazing feel. #tripblazers #shanxi #historicallandmarks

01 Chengdu | Sichuan At 6:30 AM, dew still clung to the stone steps of Tiantai Mountain. I climbed the wet steps, the only sounds the cicadas chirping and the babbling brook. It was seven or eight degrees Celsius cooler in the mountains than in the city; I regretted wearing short sleeves as soon as I started and needed a light jacket. ⏰ The best time for hiking is before 10 AM. The sun hasn't fully penetrated the trees yet. Reaching the Changhong Waterfall halfway up the mountain, the spray hit me, instantly waking me up. Don't eat lunch at the scenic area entrance; I've been burned before—expensive and salty. A half-hour drive down the mountain takes you to Anren Ancient Town. I slipped into a traditional shop on the old street and had a bowl of tofu pudding with steamed beef for less than 30 yuan per person. After lunch, I strolled around the walls of the Liu Family Manor, its gray bricks and blue tiles creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for a leisurely walk. 📍 At the end of the alley outside the east gate of the ancient town, there's an old teahouse. A bowl of covered-bowl tea costs eight yuan, and you can easily spend an afternoon lounging on a bamboo chair. Which to choose: Qingcheng Mountain or Dujiangyan? If you only have one day, I suggest spending the morning at the front of Qingcheng Mountain and the afternoon at Dujiangyan. The front of the mountain has many Taoist temples and gentle steps, making it suitable for the elderly and children. The back of the mountain offers more rugged scenery, but the round trip takes five to six hours, so don't push yourself if you're not physically fit. Enter the Dujiangyan scenic area around 5 PM; the light is just right on the Fish Mouth Diversion Dam, making the river shimmer with gold—much more beautiful than under the midday sun. ⚠️ Entry to the scenic area stops at 6 PM, so don't wait too long. The only advice from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Go early. Rush in as soon as it opens at 7:30 AM. The little pandas in the Moon Nursery are eating bamboo; you can watch their chubby backs for half an hour. After 9 PM, tour groups flood in, and you'll only see heads. 🚄 Exit at Panda Avenue subway station and take the shuttle bus for 3 yuan directly. Don't trust the private cars soliciting passengers at the entrance. 02 Jinzhou|Liaoning Not many people know about Yiwulü Mountain, but August is the perfect time to visit. The mountain isn't very high; the main peak, Wanghai Peak, is just over 800 meters above sea level, but the dense trees provide ample shade, and the mountain breeze is cool. You can rest frequently as you walk, unlike experiencing summer in northern China. I entered from the mountain gate and first followed the route near the Jade Maiden Washing Her Hair Basin. The stream flowed down the stone steps, and the sound of water was constant—much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. ⏰ Starting the climb around 2 PM is the most comfortable, as the sunlight is mostly blocked by the tree canopy. Reaching Wanghai Pavilion halfway up the mountain, you'll catch the sunset. When the evening bell of Chaoyang Temple at the foot of the mountain rings, the entire valley falls silent. Don't backtrack on the way down; take the west-side boardwalk for a complete loop, offering a panoramic view of Longtan Waterfall on the opposite side. ⚠️ Be aware of mosquitoes in the mountains; long pants are more effective than mosquito repellent. Also, don't buy the hiking poles sold at the mountain gate for 15 yuan each; the boardwalks inside the scenic area are well-maintained and unnecessary. Remember to bring water when hiking. Bottled water at the shops halfway up the mountain costs six yuan a bottle, twice as expensive as at the foot. 03 Zhangye | Gansu I've experienced the most infamous pitfall of the Rainbow Mountains for you: entering the scenic area at midday, the direct sunlight washes the colors of the Danxia landforms white, resulting in a grayish appearance in photos. The correct way to experience it is after 4:30 PM, take the last shuttle bus to Viewing Platform No. 4. Half an hour before sunset, the red, yellow, and orange rock formations look like they've been ignited; even photos taken straight from your phone are beautiful. ⚠️ The scenic area shuttle bus operates in a one-way loop. After getting off at Viewing Platform No. 4, be sure to walk towards Viewing Platform No. 3. Don't go against the flow, or you'll end up going in a huge circle. The Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple is located in the city center. The entrance fee is forty yuan. The indoor wooden-framed clay reclining Buddha inside is 34 meters long; its toes are taller than me. The main hall is dimly lit, but the gold leaf covering the Buddha's body has a faint glow, making you unconsciously walk softly in front of it. I recommend going in the morning; there are fewer tourists, allowing for a peaceful visit. Mati Temple is 65 kilometers from the city center. The most worthwhile sight is the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes, a narrow wooden walkway embedded in the cliff face, so narrow you can only pass sideways. Those with a fear of heights should be cautious, but the moment you emerge, the snow line of the Qilian Mountains is clearly visible across the way—it's worth it. I advise against making a special trip to Liqian Ancient City; the ruins are just earthen walls. Unless you have a particular interest in history, spending an extra two hours round trip isn't worth it. 04 Weinan | Shaanxi In August, the daytime temperature on Mount Hua is typically 35-36 degrees Celsius, but climbing at night is a different story. Starting from Yuquan Temple at 10 PM, my headlamp illuminated the stone steps, and the mountain breeze instantly dried my sweat. Carrying two bottles of water, I slowly made my way to the North Peak at exactly 3:30 AM, wrapped in a rented military coat, waiting for the sunrise. ⏰ Around 5:20 AM, the sky turned red, and a sea of ​​clouds surged up from below. At that moment, I felt the all-nighter was worthwhile. ⚠️ For night hikes, be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight, as some sections of the mountain path lack lighting. Don't forget gloves either; the chains and rock faces are icy cold to the touch, and gloves will provide a better grip. Buy water and food at the foot of the mountain; instant noodles at the summit cost a ridiculously high 25 yuan a pack. If you're hiking during the day, the West Peak cable car queue is at least an hour long, so it's recommended to buy tickets online in advance. The Changkong Plank Road and the Hawk's Turn are separate paid attractions, each costing 30 yuan, and require separate queue numbers. The plank road only accommodates 30 people at a time, and after 3 PM, it's almost impossible to get a spot, so go early. 05 Pingxiang | Jiangxi The most classic route for Wugong Mountain, which I took, is the reverse traverse from Longshan Village. Starting from Longshan Village at 7 AM, the ascent to Fayunjie took four hours. The meadows stretched to the horizon, incredibly green. In August, the grass is a deep green, and when the wind blows, it looks like waves of wheat—much more interesting than the Golden Summit route, which is all steps. 📍 At Yunhai Inn in Fayunjie, a bowl of egg noodles costs 20 yuan. You can eat it on the terrace while the clouds on the opposite mountain ridge seem to be rolling down towards you. ⏰ Arrive at the Golden Summit before 6 PM to catch the sunset. The temperature drops sharply at the summit; short sleeves are insufficient, a windproof jacket or light down jacket is the only solution. If you stay in a tent at night, the starry sky is truly bright, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. However, the wind is so strong at night that the tent fabric flaps loudly. Light sleepers are advised to stay in a dormitory bed at the inn. ⚠️ Don't take the glass walkway at Diaomazhuang down the mountain; it's sunny and winding. Take the traditional hiking trail directly; it takes two hours to reach the Zhong'an cable car station. Also, hiking poles cost only 5 yuan each at the foot of the mountain, half the price of those on the mountain. 06 Jincheng|Shanxi Huangcheng Xiangfu is actually cooler than the city in August. The entire complex is built against the mountain, with high walls and towers completely blocking out the sun. Walking through the stone alleys, it's cool and shady, unlike summer. I entered at 9:00 AM, first climbing the city wall and walking around it, overlooking the entire expanse of gray-tiled roofs, layered and staggered, which looked even more impressive than from the ground. Don't eat lunch inside the scenic area. Walk 300 meters to the left after exiting the east gate; there's a restaurant called Xiangfu Family Banquet, specializing in pickled cabbage and black rice noodles and Yangcheng roasted liver. It costs around 40 yuan per person, and the portions are generous. After lunch, return to the scenic area to watch the 11:00 AM welcoming ceremony performance. Actors dressed in Qing Dynasty costumes march out from the Imperial Library, and the sound of gongs and drums is quite immersive. ⚠️ Around 2:00-3:00 PM is peak time for tour groups; the area around Heshan Tower and Douzhu Residence will be very crowded. I suggest sitting by the bamboo grove in the West Garden during this time; it's less crowded and cooler. Explore the inner city after 4:30 PM. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Jincheng East Station; a shared ride costs around 20 yuan per person. 07 Ningde | Fujian How to plan your trip to Taimu Mountain and Xiapu? My suggestion is to split it into two days, don't try to do too much. On the first morning, climb Taimu Mountain, entering from the Couple Peak Square and taking the route through Hulu Cave. The cave is cool and breezy, several degrees lower than outside. ⏰ Reach the summit before noon. The sea breeze blowing in from Fuding Bay will create a beautiful scene of mist floating on the distant sea, like a fairyland. On the second morning, go to Beiqi Mudflats in Xiapu to watch the sunrise. Arrive at the viewing platform at 5:30 am; the sea will already be dyed orange-red, and rows of bamboo poles will cast long shadows on the mudflats. ⚠️ Be sure to check the tide table beforehand to watch the sunrise. At high tide, the mudflats will be submerged, and you won't see anything. After watching the sunrise, don't rush to leave. At low tide, there are small crabs and mudskippers on the mudflats; if you have children, they can play for an hour. Baishuiyang and Yuanyangxi are best visited in the afternoon. The shallow water in the square is only ankle-deep, and the spring water is so cool it makes your toes go numb. Bring your own flip-flops; renting a pair in the scenic area costs 15 yuan and they don't fit very well. The stones in the stream are slippery, so don't just focus on taking pictures while walking. 08 Fangchenggang | Guangxi Leshan Ancient Fishing Village was a treasure I discovered this summer. The village is small; a stone path leads to the seawall. At low tide, a large rocky beach is exposed. Locals dig for sea snails with small shovels. I followed along and dug up almost half a bucket in half an hour. The guesthouse owner blanched them in the evening—they were incredibly fresh and sweet. ⏰ Beachcombing should be done at low tide, around 3 pm to 6 pm. After that, the tide comes back in. 🍜 A bowl of seafood noodles in the fishing village costs 15 yuan. They're generous with the shrimp and snails, and the broth is so delicious you can drink it all. Driving along the Fangchenggang coastal highway at night, the sea breeze blew in through the car windows, carrying a salty, fishy smell. Grilled oysters at roadside stalls were three for ten yuan, topped with minced garlic and chili. Eating them on a plastic stool left my hands greasy. ⚠️ August is typhoon season. Check the weather forecast before you go; avoid the beach during typhoons. Also, guesthouses in fishing villages are generally basic and not very soundproof; bring earplugs if you're sensitive to noise. 🚄 A taxi from Fangchenggang North Station to Leshan takes about forty minutes, while a chartered car costs around sixty yuan one way. Of these eight places, I miss the meadows of Wugong Mountain and the sea breeze of Taimu Mountain the most. Which of these places did you visit in August? Or do you have any hidden gems for escaping the summer heat? Share them in the comments! 01 Chengdu|Sichuan At 6:30 in the morning, dew still clung to the stone steps of Tiantai Mountain. I walked up the wet steps, the only sounds being the cicadas and the babbling brook. It was seven or eight degrees Celsius cooler in the mountains than in the city. I regretted wearing short sleeves as soon as I started hiking; I needed a light jacket. ⏰ The best time for hiking is before 10 AM. The sun hasn't fully penetrated the trees yet. Reaching the Changhong Waterfall halfway up the mountain, the spray instantly refreshed me. Don't eat lunch at the scenic area entrance; I've been burned before—it's expensive and salty. Drive half an hour down the mountain to Anren Ancient Town, and find a quaint little shop on the old street. A bowl of tofu pudding with steamed beef costs less than 30 yuan per person. After lunch, stroll along the walls of the Liu Family Manor; the gray bricks and blue tiles are charming, and there aren't many tourists, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. 📍 At the end of the alley outside the east gate of the ancient town, there's an old teahouse. A bowl of covered-bowl tea costs eight yuan, and you can lie down on a bamboo chair and sleep all afternoon. Which to choose: Qingcheng Mountain or Dujiangyan? If you only have one day, I suggest visiting the front of Qingcheng Mountain in the morning and Dujiangyan in the afternoon. The front of the mountain has many Taoist temples and gentle steps, suitable for both the elderly and children. The back mountain has a wilder landscape, but the round trip takes five to six hours, so don't push yourself if you're not physically fit. Enter the Dujiangyan Scenic Area around 5 PM; the light is just right on the Fish Mouth Diversion Dam, making the river water shimmer with gold, much more beautiful than under the midday sun. ⚠️ The scenic area closes for entry at 6 PM, so don't wait too long. The only advice from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Go early. Rush in as soon as it opens at 7:30 AM; the little pandas in the Moon Nursery are eating bamboo, and you can watch their chubby backs for half an hour. After 9 PM, tour groups flood in, and you'll only see heads. 🚄 Exit at Panda Avenue subway station and take the shuttle bus for three yuan directly; don't trust the private cars soliciting passengers at the entrance. 02 Jinzhou|Liaoning Not many people know about Yiwulü Mountain, but August is the perfect time to visit. The mountain isn't very high; the main peak, Wanghai Peak, is just over 800 meters above sea level, but the dense trees and cool mountain breeze make it feel like a summer day in the north. I entered from the mountain gate and first followed the path of the Jade Maiden Washing Her Hair Basin. The stream flowed down the stone steps, and the sound of water was constant—much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. ⏰ Starting the climb around 2 PM is the most comfortable, as the sunlight is mostly blocked by the tree canopy. Reaching Wanghai Pavilion halfway up the mountain, I caught the sunset. When the evening bell of Chaoyang Temple below rang, the entire valley fell silent. On the way down, don't backtrack; take the west-side boardwalk for a complete loop, offering a panoramic view of Longtan Waterfall on the opposite side. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the mountains; long pants are more effective than mosquito repellent. Also, don't buy the hiking poles sold at the mountain gate for 15 yuan each; the boardwalks inside the scenic area are well-maintained and unnecessary. Remember to bring water; bottled water at the shops halfway up the mountain costs 6 yuan a bottle, twice the price at the foot of the mountain. 03 Zhangye | Gansu The most infamous pitfall of the Rainbow Mountains, which I've experienced for you: Entering the scenic area at midday, the direct sunlight washes the colors of the Danxia landforms white, resulting in a grayish appearance in photos. The correct way to experience it is after 4:30 PM, taking the last shuttle bus to Viewing Platform No. 4. Half an hour before sunset, the red, yellow, and orange rock formations seem to be on fire, and even photos taken straight from your phone are stunning. ⚠️ The scenic area shuttle bus operates in a one-way loop. After getting off at Viewing Platform No. 4, be sure to walk towards Viewing Platform No. 3; don't go against the flow, or you'll end up going in a huge circle. The Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple is located in the city center. The entrance fee is 40 yuan. The indoor wooden-framed clay reclining Buddha inside is 34 meters long; its toes are taller than me. The main hall is dimly lit, but the gold leaf covering the Buddha's body has a faint glow, making you unconsciously walk softly in front of it. I recommend going in the morning when there are fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the view in peace. Mati Temple is 65 kilometers from the city center. The most worthwhile sight is the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes, a narrow wooden walkway embedded in the cliff face, so narrow you can only pass sideways. Those with a fear of heights should be cautious, but the moment you emerge, the snow line of the Qilian Mountains is clearly visible across the way—it's worth it. I advise against making a special trip to Liqian Ancient City; the ruins are just earthen walls. Unless you have a particular interest in history, spending an extra two hours round trip isn't worth it. 04 Weinan | Shaanxi In August, Mount Hua is typically 35-36 degrees Celsius during the day, but climbing at night is a different story. I set off from Yuquan Temple at 10 PM, my headlamp illuminating the stone steps. A mountain breeze instantly dried my sweat. Carrying two bottles of water, I slowly made my way to the North Peak at exactly 3:30 AM, wrapped in a rented military coat, waiting for the sunrise. ⏰ Around 5:20 AM, the sky turned red, and a sea of ​​clouds surged up from below. At that moment, I felt the all-nighter was worthwhile. ⚠️ For night hikes, be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight, as some sections of the mountain path lack lighting. Don't forget gloves either; the chains and rock faces are icy cold to the touch, and gloves will provide a better grip. Buy water and food at the foot of the mountain; instant noodles at the summit cost a ridiculously high 25 yuan a pack. If you're hiking during the day, the West Peak cable car queue is at least an hour long, so it's recommended to buy tickets online in advance. The Changkong Plank Road and the Hawk's Turn are separate paid attractions, each costing 30 yuan, and require separate queue numbers. The plank road only accommodates 30 people at a time, and after 3 PM, it's almost impossible to get a spot, so go early. 05 Pingxiang | Jiangxi The most classic route for Wugong Mountain, which I took, is the reverse traverse from Longshan Village. Starting from Longshan Village at 7 AM, the ascent takes four hours to reach Fayunjie. The meadows stretch to the horizon, an unbelievable green. The grass in August is a deep green, and when the wind blows, it looks like waves of wheat—much more interesting than the Golden Summit route, which is all steps. 📍 At Yunhai Inn in Fayunjie, a bowl of egg noodles costs 20 yuan. You can eat it on the terrace while the clouds on the opposite mountain ridge seem to be rolling down towards you. ⏰ Arrive at the Golden Summit before 6 PM to catch the sunset. The temperature drops sharply at the summit; short sleeves are insufficient, a windproof jacket or light down jacket is the only solution. If you stay in a tent at night, the starry sky is truly bright, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. However, the wind is so strong at night that the tent fabric flaps loudly. Light sleepers are advised to stay in a dormitory bed at the inn. ⚠️ Don't take the glass walkway at Diaomazhuang down the mountain; it's sunny and winding. Take the traditional hiking trail directly; it takes two hours to reach the Zhong'an cable car station. Also, hiking poles cost only 5 yuan each at the foot of the mountain, half the price of those on the mountain. 06 Jincheng|Shanxi Huangcheng Xiangfu is actually cooler than the city in August. The entire complex is built against the mountain, with high walls and towers completely blocking out the sun. Walking through the stone alleys, it's cool and shady, unlike summer. I entered at 9:00 AM, first climbing the city wall and walking around it, overlooking the entire expanse of gray-tiled roofs, layered and staggered, which looked even more impressive than from the ground. Don't eat lunch inside the scenic area. Walk 300 meters to the left after exiting the east gate; there's a restaurant called Xiangfu Family Banquet, specializing in pickled cabbage and black rice noodles and Yangcheng roasted liver. It costs around 40 yuan per person, and the portions are generous. After lunch, return to the scenic area to watch the 11:00 AM welcoming ceremony performance. Actors dressed in Qing Dynasty costumes march out from the Imperial Library, and the sound of gongs and drums is quite immersive. ⚠️ Around 2:00-3:00 PM is peak time for tour groups; the area around Heshan Tower and Douzhu Residence will be very crowded. I suggest sitting by the bamboo grove in the West Garden during this time; it's less crowded and cooler. Explore the inner city after 4:30 PM. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Jincheng East Station; a shared ride costs around 20 yuan per person. 07 Ningde | Fujian How to plan your trip to Taimu Mountain and Xiapu? My suggestion is to split it into two days, don't try to do too much. On the first morning, climb Taimu Mountain, entering from the Couple Peak Square and taking the route through Hulu Cave. The cave is cool and breezy, several degrees lower than outside. ⏰ Reach the summit before noon. The sea breeze blowing in from Fuding Bay will create a beautiful scene of mist floating on the distant sea, like a fairyland. On the second morning, go to Beiqi Mudflats in Xiapu to watch the sunrise. Arrive at the viewing platform at 5:30 am; the sea will already be dyed orange-red, and rows of bamboo poles will cast long shadows on the mudflats. ⚠️ Be sure to check the tide table beforehand to watch the sunrise. At high tide, the mudflats will be submerged, and you won't see anything. After watching the sunrise, don't rush to leave. At low tide, there are small crabs and mudskippers on the mudflats; if you have children, they can play for an hour. Baishuiyang and Yuanyangxi are best visited in the afternoon. The shallow water in the square is only ankle-deep, and the spring water is so cool it makes your toes go numb. Bring your own flip-flops; renting a pair in the scenic area costs 15 yuan and they don't fit very well. The stones in the stream are slippery, so don't just focus on taking pictures while walking. 08 Fangchenggang | Guangxi Leshan Ancient Fishing Village was a treasure I discovered this summer. The village is small; a stone path leads to the seawall. At low tide, a large rocky beach is exposed. Locals dig for sea snails with small shovels. I followed along and dug up almost half a bucket in half an hour. The guesthouse owner blanched them in the evening—they were incredibly fresh and sweet. ⏰ Beachcombing should be done at low tide, around 3 pm to 6 pm. After that, the tide comes back in. 🍜 A bowl of seafood noodles in the fishing village costs 15 yuan. They're generous with the shrimp and snails, and the broth is so delicious you can drink it all. Driving along the Fangchenggang coastal highway at night, the sea breeze blew in through the car windows, carrying a salty, fishy smell. Grilled oysters at roadside stalls were three for ten yuan, topped with minced garlic and chili. Eating them while sitting on a plastic stool left my hands greasy. ⚠️ August is typhoon season. Check the weather forecast before you go, and avoid the beach during typhoons. Also, the guesthouses in the fishing villages are generally basic, and the soundproofing isn't great, so bring earplugs if you're sensitive to noise. 🚄 A taxi from Fangchenggang North Station to Leshan takes about forty minutes, and a chartered car costs around sixty yuan one way. Of these eight places, I'll miss the meadows of Wugong Mountain and the sea breeze of Taimu Mountain the most. Which of these places did you visit in August? Or do you have any hidden gems for escaping the summer heat? Share them in the comments!

These 8️⃣ cities are worth visiting if you've been to half of them. 01 Huzhou|Zhejiang The mornings in Nanxun Ancient Town are truly tranquil. I entered at 7 am, and only a few elderly locals strolled slowly along the stone-paved streets carrying shopping baskets. The riverside promenade near the Hundred Houses, with its white walls and black tiles reflected in the water, turned golden in the morning light. If you get tired, sit for a while in front of the "Zhang Shiming's Former Residence"—the intricate carvings on the gatehouse are worth admiring. Note that Nanxun becomes incredibly crowded in the afternoon, with tour groups arriving one after another. 🍜 Don't have lunch on the main street of the scenic area. Walk 500 meters east to "Wufulou," a noodle shop frequented by locals. Their eel noodle toppings are freshly stir-fried, and the broth is so thick it clings to the spoon. ⚠️ After 3 pm, the light becomes harsh, making photos prone to overexposure. If you want to take portraits, try to do so before 10 am. 🚄 A taxi ride from Huzhou Station to the South Gate takes about half an hour. It's recommended to enter from the South Gate and exit from the North Gate to avoid backtracking. 02 Dongguan|Guangdong The Humen Bridge, judging by its name, might seem like a tourist attraction, but it's actually a living cross-sea passage. While there's constant traffic under the bridge, the real highlight is the former Weiyuan Fortress. The weathered gun emplacements face the Pearl River Estuary, and the wind is strong enough to blow your hat away. I recommend going around 4 PM to see the fortress first, then walk along the bridge's walkway to watch the sunset. ⏰ Around 6 PM, the sun sets behind the bridge towers, making the entire bridge look like a silhouette against the orange sky—a fantastic view. ⚠️ Don't park haphazardly near the bridge; traffic police are quick to issue tickets. The best viewing spot is on the platform next to the "Naval Battle Museum," which is free and offers an unobstructed view. If you're bringing children, remember to check the museum's opening hours beforehand. It's usually closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. After watching the sunset, drive ten minutes to Humen town. Roast goose rice noodles are a local favorite for late-night snacks; the broth is sweet and clear, and the goose skin is so crisp it makes a satisfying crunch. 03 Jincheng | Shanxi The name "Huangcheng Xiangfu" (Imperial City Prime Minister's Residence) sounds grand, and once inside, you'll find it lives up to the name. This is Chen Tingjing's old residence, built against the mountainside, with layers upon layers of brick and wood carvings. Walking around will leave your legs sore, but your eyes will be feasted. I recommend arriving before 9 am and climbing the city wall first. From the top, you can overlook the entire complex of buildings; the gray tiles stretch like a sea, creating a truly impressive sight. 📍 Don't miss the old well in the central courtyard. The rope marks on the well ring are deeply worn, clearly indicating it's been in use for hundreds of years. ⚠️ The electric carts in the scenic area are not very cost-effective; the distance is only two kilometers. Walking allows you to explore the side alleys and see more traces of the original inhabitants' lives. 🍜 I don't recommend ordering the "Eight-Eight Banquet" set meal at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive for large groups and the taste is mediocre. For authentic local flavors, drive 15 minutes to Beiliu Town and try the Yangcheng roasted liver at a roadside eatery. Pair it with a bowl of rice porridge – so comforting! Afternoon light is perfect for photographing the details of brick carvings, especially the bronze beasts on the wooden doors; they look incredibly textured in the dim light. 04 Yuxi | Yunnan Fuxian Lake is one of the cleanest lakes I've ever seen. The transparency is so high that you can see rocks two or three meters underwater from the shore. Under the sunlight, the water's color gradually changes from light blue to deep green. I recommend cycling around the lake around 2 PM. Renting an electric bike costs about 60 yuan for half a day. 📍 Start from Luchong Village and cycle towards Haikou Town. This section is less crowded and has less traffic; the lake breeze is so refreshing you won't want to stop. ⏰ At 6:30 PM, the lake begins to glow with golden light. Find a small hill to sit on and watch the sun slowly sink behind the mountains. The air is filled with the scent of aquatic plants. The winds of the Ailao Mountains are a different story altogether; they're dry and cold, blowing down from the forests at altitudes above 2,000 meters, instantly invigorating you. It's advisable to avoid climbing the mountain on windy days, as the roads are narrow and winding, and you need to be careful when passing other vehicles. ⚠️ When ordering copper pot fish at lakeside restaurants, ask first whether it's priced by weight or by portion. Some restaurants charge by weight, with a single fish weighing three or four pounds, which is expensive and can be difficult for two people to finish. If you want to see the stars, stay at a lakeside guesthouse in Luchong Village. Open the window at midnight, and the Milky Way will be frighteningly clear. 05 Yanbian|Jilin The Liudingshan Cultural Tourism Area was quieter than I expected. The halls of Zhengjue Temple rise in tiers along the mountainside, giving a sense of pilgrimage as you ascend. I recommend entering the park at 8:00 AM, before the tourists arrive. The temple bells and birdsong blend together, and the air is filled with the scent of sandalwood. 📍 The Golden Buddha is at the highest point, requiring a 40-minute climb up some steps. Those with less stamina can take the scenic shuttle bus (10 yuan one way). ⚠️ Be mindful of your attire when taking photos inside the temple. Shorts and tank tops are not allowed in the main hall. Long robes are available for free at the entrance. 🍜 After descending the mountain, it's a 20-minute drive to Dunhua city. Cold noodles and sweet and sour pork are the standard fare. The cold noodle soup has ice crystals, paired with the sweet and sour pork—a bite in summer will instantly revitalize you. Autumn here is the true peak season. In early October, the mountains are ablaze with red leaves, the mountain behind the Buddha resembling an overturned palette of colors. However, it gets very crowded then, so remember to book your accommodation two weeks in advance. 06 Jinzhou|Liaoning Yiwulü Mountain—the name is a mouthful, but the scenery is not. It's a rare sight in northern China, a mountain of strangely shaped rocks, some resembling people, others animals. Every so often, you'll see a rock formation that makes you want to stop and take pictures. I recommend starting your hike around 2 PM, when the sunlight shines obliquely on the mountain walls, making the textures exceptionally clear. ⏰ Climbing to "Wanghai Peak" takes about an hour and a half. It's windy at the summit, but the view is expansive, with the distant Beizhen Plain and wheat fields stretching like a green chessboard to the horizon. ⚠️ Some of the steps on the mountain are very narrow; avoid them on rainy days, as they become incredibly slippery when wet. Wear non-slip shoes, not canvas shoes. 📍 After descending the mountain, visit Beizhen Temple, the mountain god temple of Yiwulü Mountain. Rows of ancient pine trees provide cool shade, unlike summer. 🍜 The real highlight is the barbecue in Jinzhou city. Around 9 PM, the aroma of charcoal wafts from the street barbecue stalls. Grilled chicken frames with garlic chili sauce and a bottle of local soda will wash away all the day's fatigue. 🚄 A taxi from Jinzhou Station to the foot of the mountain takes about 40 minutes; a shared ride costs 20 yuan per person. 07 Kaifeng | Henan I recommend splitting your Kaifeng trip into two days. Spend the first day at Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden and the second day in the old city. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is a replica of Song Dynasty architecture, but it's surprisingly lively. It opens at 9 AM, and the "Bao Gong Welcoming Guests" performance starts promptly at the entrance. It's incredibly crowded; arrive 20 minutes early to secure a good spot. The "Tokyo Night Market" area within the garden only gets lively after 4 PM. The soup dumplings and stir-fried mung bean jelly are worth trying. ⚠️ The "Great Song Dynasty Horror" haunted house inside the garden is a complete waste of time. You queue for half an hour, get inside for three minutes, and find nothing special. On the second day, go to the Iron Pagoda Park. The iron-colored glazed brick pagoda is a genuine Northern Song Dynasty relic. The pagoda is weathered, but its lines remain remarkably straight. ⏰ Go in at 7 AM; it's almost deserted, and you can hear the wind chimes ringing through the eaves. The Xiangguo Temple is in the city center and is very popular, but it feels heavily commercialized. I highly recommend Bao Gong Temple. It's less crowded and quieter. The wax figures inside are quite lifelike, and the guillotine in front of the Bao Gong statue sends chills down your spine just looking at it. 🍜 Go to Xisi Night Market in the evening, not Gulou Night Market, where tourist prices are outrageously high. Locals line up to buy the mutton flatbread and almond tea at Xisi. 08 Bijie | Guizhou Zhijin Cave is the most otherworldly place I've ever seen. The cave is ridiculously large, reaching dozens of stories high at its highest point. The stalactites resemble an inverted forest, their colors both eerie and magnificent when illuminated. I suggest entering the cave around 10 am. The entire walk takes about two hours. The temperature inside is around 15 degrees Celsius year-round; wear long sleeves even in summer. Don't try to be brave and wear short sleeves, or you'll be shivering by the end. ⚠️ The cave is dimly lit, and the steps are slippery. Elderly people and children must be held hands. Bring your phone flashlight, as some areas have distant lights that make it difficult to see your footing. The azaleas along the Baili River present a completely different scene. During the blooming season in March and April, the entire mountain is a sea of ​​pink and purple, a breathtaking sight. However, it's also very crowded during that time, and traffic jams halfway up the mountain are common. I recommend arriving at the scenic area entrance at 6:30 am during peak bloom, before the tour groups arrive, and starting with the "Jinpo Scenic Area," where the azaleas are at their most abundant. 📍 If you go outside of peak bloom, don't buy the full-length ticket; just visit the "Pudi Scenic Area" to see the thousand-year-old Azalea King tree – it's quite a sight. 🍜 The small meat pies in Bijie city are worth trying. Charcoal-grilled, they have a crispy outer shell and a filling with the aroma of Sichuan peppercorns. They cost three yuan each, and I could easily eat four. These eight cities each have their own unique character. The morning light of Huzhou, the sea breeze of Dongguan, the bricks and tiles of Jincheng, the lake waters of Yuxi, the bells of Yanbian, the fireworks of Jinzhou, the night markets of Kaifeng, the karst caves of Bijie… You don’t need to visit them all; just visiting half will give you a better understanding of China than most people. How many have you visited? Share your thoughts in the comments section—which one surprised you the most? These 8️⃣ cities are worth visiting if you've been to half of them. 01 Huzhou|Zhejiang The mornings in Nanxun Ancient Town are truly tranquil. I entered at 7 a.m., and only a few local elderly people were strolling slowly along the stone-paved streets carrying shopping baskets. Along the riverside promenade near the Hundred Houses, the white walls and black tiles are reflected in the water, turning the entire river golden in the morning light. If you get tired, sit for a while in front of the “Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence”; the carvings on the gatehouse are worth examining closely. Note that Nanxun becomes much busier in the afternoon, with tour groups arriving one after another. 🍜 Don't have lunch on the main street of the scenic area. Walk 500 meters east to "Wufulou," a local noodle shop. Their eel noodle topping is freshly stir-fried, and the broth is so thick it clings to your spoon. ⚠️ After 3 PM, the light becomes harsh, making photos prone to overexposure. If you want to take portraits, try to go before 10 AM. 🚄 A taxi from Huzhou Station to the South Gate takes about half an hour. It's recommended to enter from the South Gate and exit from the North Gate to avoid backtracking. 02 Dongguan|Guangdong The Humen Bridge, judging by its name, might seem like a tourist attraction, but it's actually a living cross-sea passage. While there's constant traffic under the bridge, the real highlight is the Weiyuan Fort ruins beneath it. The weathered cannon positions face the Pearl River Estuary, and the wind is strong enough to blow your hat away. I recommend going around 4 PM to see the fort first, then walk along the bridge's walkway to wait for the sunset. ⏰ Around 6 PM, the sun sets behind the bridge towers, making the entire bridge appear as a silhouette against the orange sky, offering excellent views. ⚠️ Don't park haphazardly near the bridge; traffic police are quick to issue tickets. The best viewing spot is the platform next to the "Naval Battle Museum," which is free and offers unobstructed views. If you're bringing children, remember to check the museum's opening schedule beforehand. It's usually closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. After watching the sunset, drive ten minutes to Humen town. Roast goose rice noodles are a local favorite for late-night snacks; the broth is sweet and the goose skin is so crisp it makes a satisfying crunch. 03 Jincheng | Shanxi The name "Huangcheng Xiangfu" (Imperial City Prime Minister's Residence) sounds grand, and once inside, you'll find it lives up to the name. This is Chen Tingjing's old residence, built against the mountain, with layers upon layers of brick and wood carvings. Walking around it will make your legs sore, but your eyes will be feasted. I recommend arriving before 9 AM to climb the city wall and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire complex from above. The gray tiles stretch like a sea, creating an impressive sight. 📍 Don't miss the old well in the central courtyard. The rope marks on the well ring are deeply worn, clearly indicating it's been in use for hundreds of years. ⚠️ The electric carts in the scenic area aren't great value for money; the distance is only two kilometers. Walking allows you to navigate through side alleys and see more traces of the original inhabitants' lives. 🍜 I don't recommend the "Eight-Eight Banquet" set meal at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive and the taste is mediocre. For authentic flavors, drive 15 minutes to Beiliu Town and try the Yangcheng roasted liver at a small street-side restaurant, paired with a bowl of rice soup—it's comforting. Afternoon light is perfect for photographing the details of the brick carvings, especially the bronze beasts on the wooden doors; they have a wonderful texture in the dim light. 04 Yuxi|Yunnan Fuxian Lake is one of the cleanest lakes I've ever seen. The water is so clear that you can see rocks two or three meters underwater from the shore. Under the sunlight, the water's color gradually changes from light blue to deep green. I recommend cycling around the lake around 2 PM. Renting an electric bike costs about 60 yuan for half a day. 📍 Start from Luchong Village and cycle towards Haikou Town. This section has few people and cars, and the lake breeze is so refreshing you won't want to stop. ⏰ Around 6:30 PM, the lake begins to glow with golden light. Find a small hill to sit on and watch the sun slowly sink behind the mountains. The air is filled with the scent of aquatic plants. The wind in the Ailao Mountains is a different story. It's a dry, cold mountain wind that blows down from the forests at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, making you feel refreshed. I suggest avoiding going up the mountain on windy days; the roads are narrow and winding, so be careful when passing other vehicles. ⚠️ When ordering the copper pot fish at lakeside restaurants, ask first whether it's priced by weight or by portion. Some restaurants charge by weight, with one fish weighing three or four pounds, which is expensive and can be difficult for two people to finish. If you want to see the stars, stay in a lakeside guesthouse in Luchong Village. Open the window at midnight and the Milky Way is frighteningly clear. 05 Yanbian|Jilin Liudingshan Cultural Tourism Area was quieter than I expected. The halls of Zhengjue Temple rise in tiers along the mountainside, giving a sense of pilgrimage as you climb. I recommend entering the park at 8 am, before the crowds arrive. The temple bells and birdsong blend together, and the air is filled with the scent of sandalwood. 📍 The Golden Buddha is at the highest point, requiring a 40-minute climb up some steps. Those with less stamina can take the shuttle bus up (10 yuan one way). ⚠️ Be mindful of your attire when taking photos inside the temple. Shorts and tank tops are not allowed in the main hall. Long robes are available for free at the entrance. 🍜 After descending the mountain, drive 20 minutes to Dunhua city. Cold noodles and sweet and sour pork are the standard fare. The cold noodle soup with ice crystals, paired with sweet and sour pork, is a summer treat that instantly revitalizes you. Autumn here is the true peak season. In early October, the mountains are ablaze with red leaves, the mountainside behind the Buddha resembling an overturned palette of colors. However, it gets very crowded then, so remember to book your accommodation two weeks in advance. 06 Jinzhou|Liaoning Yiwulü Mountain—the name is a mouthful, but the scenery is. It's a rare sight in northern China, a mountain of bizarrely shaped rocks, some resembling people, others animals. Every so often, you'll find a rock formation that makes you want to stop and take pictures. I recommend entering the mountain around 2 PM, when the light shines obliquely on the mountain walls, making the textures exceptionally clear. ⏰ Climbing to "Wanghai Peak" takes about an hour and a half. It's windy at the summit, but the view is expansive, offering views of the distant Beizhen Plain, where wheat fields stretch like a green chessboard to the horizon. ⚠️ Some of the steps on the mountain are very narrow; avoid them on rainy days, as they become incredibly slippery. Wear non-slip shoes, not canvas shoes. 📍 After descending the mountain, take a stroll around Beizhen Temple, the mountain god temple of Yiwulü Mountain. Rows of ancient pines provide cool shade, unlike summer. 🍜 The real highlight is the barbecue in Jinzhou city. Around 9 PM, the aroma of charcoal wafts from the street stalls. Grilled chicken frames with garlic chili sauce and a bottle of local soda—all the day's fatigue will melt away. 🚄 A taxi from Jinzhou Station to the foot of the mountain takes about 40 minutes; a shared ride costs 20 yuan per person. 07 Kaifeng|Henan I recommend splitting your Kaifeng trip into two days. Dedicate the first day to Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, and the second day to the old city. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is a Song Dynasty-style building, but it's surprisingly lively. It opens at 9 AM, and the "Bao Gong Welcoming Guests" performance starts promptly at the entrance. It's incredibly crowded; arrive 20 minutes early to secure a good spot. The "Tokyo Night Market" area in the park only gets lively after 4 PM; the soup dumplings and stir-fried mung bean jelly are worth trying. ⚠️ The "Great Song Dynasty Horror" haunted house in the park is a complete waste of time. You queue for half an hour, get inside for three minutes, and find nothing special. The next day, go to the Iron Pagoda Park. The iron-colored glazed brick pagoda is a genuine Northern Song Dynasty relic; its body is mottled, but its lines remain upright. ⏰ Go in at 7 AM; there's almost no one there, and you can hear the wind chiming through the eaves. The Xiangguo Temple is in the city center and very popular, but it feels heavily commercialized. I recommend the Bao Gong Temple instead; it's less crowded and quieter. The wax figures inside are quite lifelike, and the guillotine in front of the Bao Gong statue sends chills down your spine just looking at it. 🍜 In the evening, go to the Xisi Night Market. Don't go to the Gulou Night Market; the tourist prices there are outrageously expensive. Locals queue up to buy the mutton flatbread and almond tea at Xisi. 08 Bijie | Guizhou Zhijin Cave is the most otherworldly place I've ever seen. The cave is ridiculously large, reaching heights of dozens of stories at its highest point. The stalactites resemble an inverted forest, their colors both eerie and magnificent when illuminated. I recommend entering the cave at 10 AM. The entire walk takes about two hours. The temperature inside is around 15 degrees Celsius year-round; wear long sleeves in summer, don't try to be brave in short sleeves, or you'll be shivering by the end. ⚠️ The cave is dimly lit, and the steps are slippery. Elderly people and children must be held hands. Bring your phone flashlight, as some areas have distant lights that make it difficult to see your footing. The Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area presents a completely different scene. During the blooming season in March and April, the entire mountain is a sea of ​​pink and purple, a breathtaking sight. However, it's also very crowded during that time, and traffic jams halfway up the mountain are common. I recommend arriving at the scenic area entrance at 6:30 AM during peak bloom, before the tour groups arrive, and starting with the "Jinpo Scenic Area," where the rhododendrons are at their most abundant. 📍 If you're visiting outside of peak blooming season, don't buy the full-price ticket. Just visit the "Pudi Scenic Area" section and see the thousand-year-old Rhododendron King—it's breathtaking enough. 🍜 The small meat pies in Bijie city are worth trying. Charcoal-grilled, they have a crispy crust and a filling with the aroma of Sichuan peppercorns. They're only three yuan each, and I could easily eat four. These eight cities each have their own unique character. The morning light of Huzhou, the sea breeze of Dongguan, the bricks and tiles of Jincheng, the lake waters of Yuxi, the bells of Yanbian, the fireworks of Jinzhou, the night markets of Kaifeng, the karst caves of Bijie… You don't need to visit them all. If you can see half of them, you already understand China better than most people. How many have you visited? Share your thoughts in the comments—which one surprised you the most?

One-day itinerary 8:30 AM–12:00 PM Arrive at the scenic area and start by taking a photo at the Huangcheng Xiangfu stone monument at the entrance. Visit Heshan Tower in sequence, climb to the top for a bird's-eye view of the entire castle complex, and take photos of the towering brick and stone towers. Then, walk into the residential courtyards, admire the pine and crane stone carvings on the walls and the "Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars" painted wall hangings, and take your time to read about the history of the Chen family. 12:00 PM–1:30 PM Dine around the scenic area and take a short break. 1:30 PM–5:30 PM Stroll through the Ming and Qing dynasty residential courtyards, visit the carved wooden pavilions, take photos at Xiangyu Folk Plaza, and experience the "Shi Liang" silver note cultural and creative products. Wander slowly through the ancient streets and alleys, admire the exquisite brick-carved mythical beasts on the roofs, take photos in the green silk-draped courtyards, and appreciate the museum's collection of gourd porcelain vases, antique-style ornaments, and other artifacts. If you have enough time, you can wait for the live-action performance to immerse yourself in the stories of the castle. Recommendations for dining and entertainment Dining Specialty food recommendations include Yangcheng meat in jars, millet pancakes, the "Ten Great Bowls of Yangcheng," and Hele noodles. The farmhouses around the entrance of the scenic area offer authentic flavors and generous portions. Snacks on the commercial street inside the scenic area are priced higher, so it is recommended to have main meals at restaurants in the town outside the city. Entertainment Must-visit spots: Heshan Tower, Hidden Soldier Caves, Douzhu Residence, and the Chen Family Ancestral Hall. The live-action performance "Return to the Prime Minister's Mansion" is highly recommended for its immersive atmosphere. For souvenirs, you can take home antique-style silver notes, architectural ornaments, and small porcelain mementos. Accommodation It is recommended to prioritize homestays around Huangcheng Village in Yangcheng County, which are just a few minutes' walk from the scenic area and offer a strong ancient village atmosphere. If you prefer better amenities, you can stay at a hotel in Yangcheng County, which is about a 25-minute drive away and offers more choices. Travel tips 1. The scenic area is very large with many mountain roads and steps, so wear comfortable sneakers and avoid high heels. Take sun protection measures in summer. 2. Tickets for the "Return to the Prime Minister's Mansion" performance must be purchased separately. Do not trust scalpers on the roadside selling low-priced tickets; buying through official channels is the safest option. 3. Compare prices at different shops before purchasing souvenirs inside the city, as some porcelain ornaments are overpriced. Be cautious before buying. 4. During holidays, there are large crowds, and there will be long queues to climb Heshan Tower. It is recommended to enter the park early to avoid peak times. 5. Mobile signal is weak in many narrow alleys inside the castle, so it is recommended to save the tour map in advance.

1️⃣ Quzhou|Zhejiang Taking my parents to Quzhou, our first stop was Kaihua Root Palace Buddhist Kingdom. 📍 No. 1 Genbo Road. Over 500 root-carved Buddha statues are built against the mountain. The entire walk takes about two hours; the steps are gentle, making it easy for the elderly to walk. My favorite was the root-carved Shakyamuni Buddha statue, over ten meters tall. Standing below and looking up, the textures seemed to hold the weight of time. ⏰ I recommend arriving before 9 am. It's less crowded then, and the light shines obliquely into the main hall, making the root carvings look particularly three-dimensional. Tickets are about 120 yuan, half price for those over 60. Remember to bring your ID. In the afternoon, we moved on to Jianglang Mountain·Ershibadu. Ershibadu Ancient Town is much quieter than Wuzhen. Old houses stretch along Fengxi Creek, and there aren't the ubiquitous Yiwu small commodities on the streets. 🍜 The copper gong cake at the town entrance is made of glutinous rice mixed with brown sugar, steamed, cut into thick slices, and fried. It's sweet, fragrant, soft, and chewy; my dad ate three pieces in one go. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in the ancient town. Open your window to see the horse-head walls, fall asleep to the sound of the stream, and climb Jianglang Mountain the next morning. ⚠️ If you only hike the Eighteen Bends Trail on Jianglang Mountain, you don't need to take the cable car. A two-hour round trip is enough to see the scenery. 2️⃣ Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture|Qinghai Kanbula is the kind of place you "didn't know before you came, but regretted it afterward." The Yellow River here is emerald green, and the Danxia peaks are fiery red. The two colors collide, and the camera simply can't capture the breathtaking sight. 🚄 It takes about two hours by chartered car from Xining. The road conditions are smooth, but there are many curves. Parents who get carsick should take motion sickness medication beforehand. The easiest way to experience it is to enter by boat and exit by sightseeing bus. 📍 Drive along the Likan Highway to the pier, then take a boat trip on the lake for about 40 minutes. There is commentary on the boat, and you can see the entire landscape without climbing. After disembarking, the sightseeing bus travels along the mountain ridge, stopping at three viewing platforms along the way, each worth getting off at. ⏰ The light is best around 3 or 4 pm, when the mountain colors are most vibrant. ⚠️ There are few restaurants inside the scenic area, so bring your own snacks and water; don't expect to buy ready-made food. The entrance fee plus boat ticket is about 180 yuan. Senior citizen tickets are discounted, but verification at the window is required. 3️⃣ Nanchong City | Sichuan Langzhong Ancient City is the most comfortable ancient city I've ever taken my parents to visit, bar none. 📍 Huaguang Tower in the south of the city is the highest point. From the tower, you can see the Jialing River winding around the ancient city in a U-shape, with white walls and black tiles resembling an ink painting. The stairs are a bit steep, but there are handrails, so climbing slowly is fine. The most worthwhile activity in the ancient city is taking a Jialing River cruise. ⏰ The 5:30 PM boat trip is the best. Fog rises over the river, and Jinping Mountain on the opposite bank is faintly visible. The ticket is 60 yuan, the journey takes 40 minutes, and the breeze is pleasantly cool. 🍜 In the evening, go to the beef noodle shop next to Zhang Fei Temple. Langzhong beef noodles have a thick broth base, with noodles coated in it, served with a side of pickled radish – sour, spicy, and appetizing. Stay at a quiet guesthouse on the west side of the ancient city; it's just a short walk to the riverside promenade, perfect for morning exercise. ⚠️ Don't easily try the stalls selling vinegar foot baths in the ancient city; the prices are opaque, and you might get ripped off. 4️⃣ Nantong City|Jiangsu The Haohe River in Nantong is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The entire river encircles the old city, with shady trees on both banks and a smooth surface, even suitable for wheelchairs. 📍 Starting from Huanxi Cultural Square, walk along the west bank of the river, passing the Bell Tower, Watchtower, and Temple Street Old Street. The entire journey is about three kilometers and takes about an hour with stops along the way. I highly recommend taking a night cruise. ⏰ The cruise departs at 7 PM, and the ticket price is about 80 yuan. The boat moves slowly, and the narration clearly weaves together the stories of Nantong. The lights on both banks are reflected in the water, and it's several degrees cooler than during the day. 🍜 After disembarking, head to the Siyi Pastry Shop across the river and order two pieces each of osmanthus cake and mint cake. They're sweet but not cloying, and you can enjoy them with a pot of light tea. For accommodation, choose the Atour Hotel by the Haohe River. The cruise terminal is right downstairs, making it convenient to get around. ⚠️ The sun is strong during the day, and the shade along the Haohe River is intermittent, so remember to bring sun hats for your parents. 5️⃣ Bijie City | Guizhou Zhijin Cave is the most "unreal" underground world I've ever seen. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 16 degrees Celsius; a light jacket is recommended even in summer. 📍 The entrance is located northeast of Zhijin County, about a 30-minute drive. The walking trails inside the cave are well-maintained, and the lighting on the colorful stalactites creates a scene reminiscent of a science fiction movie. ⏰ The entire walk takes about 1.5 hours. There aren't many steps, but some sections are slippery, so non-slip shoes are recommended. For Baili Rhododendron, be sure to visit during the right season. If you go during the National Day holiday, the rhododendron bloom will be over, but there are still large areas of rhododendron forests and meadows within the scenic area, perfect for picnics and relaxing. ⚠️ If you're specifically going to see the flowers, please come in April to avoid missing the optimal time. 🚄 There is no direct bus from Zhijin to Baili Rhododendron. Driving takes about two hours, and the mountain roads are extensive, so hiring a car is recommended. Tickets for Zhijin Cave are approximately 120 yuan, and for Baili Rhododendron, they are approximately 130 yuan. Senior citizen tickets are half price, and booking online a day in advance can save you over ten yuan. 6️⃣ Wuhu City | Anhui Province Take your parents to Fantawild Adventure Park. Don't worry about the rides being mostly for young people. In the Fantawild Oriental Heritage Park, indoor theater attractions like "Nuwa Mending the Sky" and "The Butterfly Lovers" are visually stunning and not tiring at all. 📍 Fantawild is located in the east of the city, about a 15-minute taxi ride from Wuhu Railway Station. Tickets are around 230 yuan, with half-price tickets for seniors. My top recommendation is the "Eternal Butterfly Lovers" live-action show. The combination of live actors and holographic projections creates an effect comparable to a grand theater. ⏰ The 2 PM show is the least crowded; arriving 20 minutes early will get you a good seat in the middle. 🍜 The Wuhu-style steamed buns and shrimp roe noodles in the park are better quality than those in typical amusement parks, and you can eat your fill for about 40 yuan per person. For accommodation, choose a budget hotel near Fantawild; it's convenient to walk back after a day of fun without having to rush. ⚠️ Long queues during holidays, with popular attractions often taking 40 minutes, make indoor theaters a better option for families with parents – less effort and worth the ticket price. 7️⃣ Zhangzhou City | Fujian Yunshuiyao Ancient Town and Nanjing Tulou are on the same route, so it's recommended to visit them together. 📍 It takes about 1.5 hours to drive there from Zhangzhou city. Yunshuiyao tickets are 90 yuan, and Nanjing Tulou Tianluokeng tickets are 100 yuan; a combined ticket is more cost-effective. The ancient banyan trees along the stream in Yunshuiyao are perfect for relaxation; the trees are all over a hundred years old, providing dense shade, so parents won't get bored sitting under them for an afternoon. Among the Nanjing Tulou, the most worthwhile sights are the "Four Dishes and One Soup" Tianluokeng Tulou cluster and the leaning Yuchang Building. ⏰ Explore Yunshuiyao first in the morning, then go to the viewing platform in the afternoon when the light is softer for the best panoramic photos of the Tulou. ⚠️ The interiors of Tulou (earthen buildings) are mostly wooden structures with narrow and steep staircases. It's not recommended for elderly people with mobility issues to climb the stairs. The Binhai Volcanic National Geopark is located east of Zhangzhou, in the opposite direction from the Tulou. If time is limited, you can choose one, but I recommend the Tulou route. 8️⃣ Jincheng City|Shanxi The Huangcheng Xiangfu (Imperial City Prime Minister's Residence) was the most impressive attraction on this trip. 📍 Located in Beiliu Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, it's about an hour's bus ride from the city center, or about 100 yuan by taxi. This is the former residence of Chen Tingjing, a famous prime minister of the Qing Dynasty. The residence, built against the mountain, is layered and complete with city walls, archways, and an academy. After visiting, you'll have the feeling that "a wealthy family really knew how to live." ⏰ The best time to visit is in the morning, when the sunlight shines from the east, making the three characters "Zhongdaozhuang" on the city wall particularly clear. The entire walk takes about two hours. The path is mainly made of stone slabs and steps, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. 🍜 At the entrance of the scenic area, there's Yangcheng roasted liver, pan-fried until crispy, dipped in garlic and vinegar sauce, and served with a bowl of rice porridge—very filling. Tickets are about 100 yuan; free for those over 60. Remember to bring your ID. 🚄 If coming from Zhengzhou, take the high-speed train to Jincheng East Station and then a taxi; it's about a half-hour drive. My advice for taking my parents on a National Day trip can be summed up in one sentence: relax the itinerary, eat comfortably, and take lots of photos. I've scouted these 8 places for you—no rushing, no hassle, and plenty of scenery and cultural experiences. Which one are you planning to take your parents to? Let's discuss in the comments, and I'll help you decide if the itinerary is suitable. 1️⃣ Quzhou|Zhejiang Taking my parents to Quzhou, our first stop was Kaihua Root Palace Buddhist Kingdom. 📍 No. 1 Genbo Road. Over 500 root-carved Buddha statues are built against the mountain. The entire walk takes about two hours; the steps are gentle, making it easy for seniors to walk. My favorite was the root carving of Shakyamuni Buddha, over ten meters tall. Standing beneath it and looking up, the textures seemed to hold the weight of time itself. ⏰ I recommend arriving before 9 AM. It's less crowded then, and the sunlight streaming into the main hall at an angle makes the root carving's texture particularly striking. Tickets are around 120 yuan, half price for those 60 and older. Remember to bring your ID. In the afternoon, we moved on to Jianglang Mountain and Ershibadu. Ershibadu Ancient Town is much quieter than Wuzhen. Old houses stretch along the Fengxi River, and there aren't the ubiquitous Yiwu souvenir shops. 🍜 The copper gong cake at the town entrance is made of glutinous rice mixed with brown sugar, steamed, then thickly sliced ​​and pan-fried. It's sweet, fragrant, and soft; my dad ate three pieces in one go. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in the ancient town. Open your window to see the horse-head walls, fall asleep to the sound of the stream at night, and climb Jianglang Mountain the next morning. ⚠️ If you only hike the Eighteen Bends Trail on Jianglang Mountain, you don't need the cable car. A two-hour round trip is enough to see all the scenery. 2️⃣ Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Kanbula is the kind of place you "didn't know before you came, but you'll regret it after you've been there." The Yellow River here is emerald green, and the Danxia peaks are a fiery red; the two colors collide, and a camera simply can't capture the breathtaking sight. 🚄 It takes about two hours by chartered car from Xining. The road conditions are smooth, but there are many curves, so my parents, who are prone to motion sickness, should take motion sickness medication beforehand. The easiest way to experience it is to enter by boat and exit by sightseeing bus. 📍 Drive along the Likan Highway to the pier, then take a boat trip on the lake for about 40 minutes. There's commentary on the boat, and you can see the entire panorama without climbing. After disembarking, the sightseeing bus travels along the ridge, stopping at three viewing platforms along the way, each worth getting off at. ⏰ The light is best around 3 or 4 pm, when the mountain colors are most vibrant. ⚠️ There are few restaurants in the scenic area, so bring your own snacks and water; don't expect to buy ready-made food. Tickets plus boat tickets cost approximately 180 yuan. Discounts are available for seniors, but verification at the ticket window is required. 3️⃣ Nanchong City | Sichuan Langzhong Ancient City is the most comfortable ancient city I've ever visited with my parents, bar none. 📍 Huaguang Tower in the south of the city is the highest point. From the tower, you can see the Jialing River winding around the ancient city in a U-shape, with white walls and black tiles resembling an ink painting. The stairs are a bit steep, but there are handrails, so climbing slowly is no problem. The most worthwhile activity in the ancient city is taking a Jialing River cruise. ⏰ The 5:30 pm cruise is the best. The river is misty, and Jinping Mountain on the opposite bank is faintly visible. The boat ticket costs 60 yuan, the journey takes 40 minutes, and the breeze is pleasantly cool. 🍜 In the evening, we went to a beef noodle shop next to Zhang Fei Temple. Langzhong beef noodles have a thick broth base, with noodles coated in the rich sauce, served with a side of pickled radish—a tangy and spicy appetizer. Staying at a guesthouse on the west side of the ancient city is quiet, and the riverside promenade is just a short walk away, perfect for morning exercise. ⚠️ Don't easily try the stalls selling vinegar foot baths in the ancient city; the prices are opaque, and you might get ripped off. 4️⃣ Nantong City | Jiangsu Province The Haohe River in Nantong is especially suitable for a "lazy stroll" tour. The entire river encircles the old city, with shady trees on both banks and smooth surfaces, even wheelchairs can easily navigate. 📍 Starting from Huanxi Cultural Square, walk along the west side of the river, passing the Bell Tower, Watchtower, and Temple Street Old Street. The entire route is about three kilometers long, taking about an hour with stops along the way. I highly recommend taking a night cruise. ⏰ The cruise departs at 7 pm, and the ticket price is about 80 yuan. The boat moves slowly, and the narration clearly weaves together the stories of Nantong. The lights on both banks are reflected in the water, and it's several degrees cooler than during the day. 🍜 After disembarking, head to the Siyi Pastry Shop across the street. Order two pieces each of osmanthus cake and mint cake – sweet but not cloying, perfect with a pot of light tea. We chose the Atour Hotel by the Haohe River for accommodation; the cruise ship dock is right downstairs, making it easy to get around. ⚠️ The sun is strong during the day, and the shade along the Haohe River is intermittent, so remember to bring sun hats for your parents. 5️⃣ Bijie City | Guizhou Zhijin Cave is the most "unreal" underground world I've ever seen. The temperature inside is consistently 16 degrees Celsius; a light jacket is necessary even in summer. 📍 The entrance is northeast of Zhijin County, about a 30-minute drive. The walkways inside are well-maintained, and the lighting on the colorful stalactites makes it feel like stepping into a science fiction movie set. ⏰ The entire walk takes about 1.5 hours. There aren't many steps, but some sections are slippery, so non-slip shoes are recommended. For the Baili Rhododendron, be sure to check the season. If you go during the National Day holiday, the azalea blooming season will be over, but the scenic area still has vast groves of rhododendron forests and meadows, perfect for picnics and relaxing. ⚠️ If you're specifically going to see the flowers, please come in April to avoid missing the blooming season. 🚄 There's no direct bus from Zhijin to Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area. Driving takes about two hours, and the mountain roads are extensive, so hiring a car is recommended. Tickets for Zhijin Cave are about 120 yuan, and for Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area, about 130 yuan. Senior tickets are half price. Booking online a day in advance can save you over ten yuan. 6️⃣ Wuhu City|Anhui Take your parents to Fantawild Adventure Park. Don't worry about the rides being mostly for young people. In Fantawild Oriental Heritage Park, indoor theater shows like "Nuwa Mending the Sky" and "The Butterfly Lovers" are visually stunning and not tiring at all. 📍 Fantawild is located in the east of the city, about a 15-minute taxi ride from Wuhu Railway Station. Tickets are about 230 yuan, with half price for seniors. My top recommendation is the "Eternal Butterfly Love" live-action performance. The combination of live actors and holographic projections on the same screen creates an effect comparable to a grand theater. ⏰ The 2 PM show is the least crowded; arriving 20 minutes early will get you a good seat in the middle. 🍜 The Wuhu-style steamed buns and shrimp roe noodles in the park are better quality than those in typical amusement parks; you can eat your fill for around 40 RMB per person. For accommodation, choose a budget hotel near Fantawild; it's convenient to walk back after a day of fun without having to rush. ⚠️ During holidays, queues can be long, with popular rides often taking 40 minutes. If you're with parents, opt for indoor theaters—it's less tiring and still worth the ticket price. 7️⃣ Zhangzhou City | Fujian Yunshuiyao Ancient Town and Nanjing Tulou are on the same route, so I recommend visiting them together. 📍 It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Zhangzhou city. Yunshuiyao tickets are 90 RMB, and Nanjing Tulou Tianluokeng tickets are 100 RMB. A combined ticket is more cost-effective. The ancient banyan trees along the stream in Yunshuiyao are perfect for relaxation. The trees are all over a century old, providing dense shade; parents can sit under them for an entire afternoon without getting bored. Among the Tulou (earthen buildings) in Nanjing, the most worthwhile to see are the "Four Dishes and One Soup" Tianluokeng Tulou cluster and the leaning Yuchang Building. ⏰ Explore Yunshuiyao first in the morning, then go to the viewing platform in the afternoon when the light is softer for panoramic photos of the Tulou – this will maximize your chances of getting great shots. ⚠️ The interiors of the Tulou are mostly wooden structures with narrow and steep staircases. It's not recommended for elderly people with mobility issues to climb the stairs. The Binhai Volcanic National Geological Park is east of Zhangzhou, in the opposite direction from the Tulou. If time is limited, choose one; I recommend the Tulou route. 8️⃣ Jincheng City|Shanxi The Huangcheng Xiangfu (Imperial City Prime Minister's Residence) was the most "grand" attraction on this trip. 📍 Located in Beiliu Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, it's about a 1-hour bus ride from the city center or a taxi ride for about 100 yuan. This is the former residence of Chen Tingjing, a famous prime minister of the Qing Dynasty. The mansion, built against the mountain, is layered and complete with city walls, a memorial archway, and an academy. After visiting, you'll have the impression that "a wealthy family really knew how to live." ⏰ The best time to visit is in the morning, when the sunlight shines from the east, making the three characters "Zhongdaozhuang" on the city wall particularly clear. The entire walk takes about two hours. The path is mainly paved with stone slabs and steps, so it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. 🍜 At the entrance of the scenic area, there's Yangcheng roasted liver, fried until crispy, dipped in garlic and vinegar sauce, and served with a bowl of rice soup—very filling. The entrance fee is about 100 yuan; admission is free for those over 60. Remember to bring your ID card. 🚄 If coming from Zhengzhou, take the high-speed train to Jincheng East Station and then take a taxi; the journey takes about half an hour. My advice for taking my parents on a trip during the National Day holiday can be summed up in one sentence: Keep the itinerary relaxed, eat comfortably, and take lots of photos. I've scouted out these 8 places for you—no rushing, no hassle, and plenty of scenery and cultural experiences. Which one are you planning to take your parents to? Let's discuss in the comments, and I'll help you decide if the itinerary is suitable.

1️⃣ Suzhou | Jiangsu At 6:00 AM, the bluestone slabs on Pingjiang Road haven't been warmed up by tourists yet. I walked along the river and watched an elderly woman light a stove at her doorway, with white smoke drifting down the alley. Turning into a side alley, I found a small shop that only sells "crab shell yellow" pastries. The freshly baked sesame cakes were piping hot; biting into one revealed a savory filling of lard and scallions that was incredibly fragrant. 🍜 These cakes are only made until 9:00 AM daily. They close up shop once sold out, so you have to go early if you want one. I recommend entering the Humble Administrator's Garden after 3:00 PM. Most tour groups have left by then. The sunlight hits the water corridors at an angle, casting shadows on the white walls like a living landscape painting. Rent an audio guide and take your time. Don't rush with the crowds; you can sit by the Tingyu Pavilion near the lotus pond for the whole afternoon. ⚠️ The garden is closed on Mondays for maintenance, so don't make a wasted trip. You can visit Tiger Hill and Hanshan Temple on the same day. 🚄 It takes about 15 minutes to take a taxi from Suzhou Station to Tiger Hill. Taking the You 2 bus is the most convenient way to travel between the two. 2️⃣ Turpan | Xinjiang The Flaming Mountains are meant to be viewed from a distance, not climbed. At 12:00 PM, the surface temperature can reach 60°C. Standing at the entrance, the heat waves hit you, and even your phone gets hot. I suggest coming at 7:00 PM. The sunset turns the ocher-red mountains into dark gold—a sight more stunning than any filter. ⚠️ Don't buy the sightseeing bus ticket inside the scenic area; you can reach the best photo spot with a 10-minute walk. You should set aside a whole afternoon for Kumtag Desert. It takes about an hour to charter a car from downtown Turpan, and the driver will wait for you at the edge of the desert. Step onto the dunes barefoot; the fine sand is hot but soft. Climb to the top, sit down, and watch the wind blow the sand ridges into waves. The light is best at sunset. Shadows are stretched long, and every photo looks like a masterpiece. 🍜 On the way back to the city, ask the driver to stop so you can buy a couple of Hami melons. They are incredibly sweet. 3️⃣ Nanchong | Sichuan Langzhong Ancient City is the least "touristy" ancient city I've ever seen. The Jialing River winds around the city. In the early morning, mist rises from the river, and fishing boats appear and disappear in the fog. Enter from the North Gate and climb Zhongtian Tower first to overlook the sea of gray-tiled roofs, with cooking smoke drifting up from the gaps. 📍 The Zhangfei Beef shop downstairs sells freshly sliced beef. The spicy, numbing flavor mixed with the aroma of sesame is ten times better than the vacuum-packed version. The small alleys are the most worth exploring in the ancient city. Don't walk on the main street. Turn into Bixiang Street, where you'll find old courtyards from the late Qing Dynasty on both sides. With wooden doors half-open, you can see pomegranate trees in the courtyards. There's a vinegar workshop with a dozen large vats at the entrance. The aroma of vinegar drifts half a street away. You can get a jug of handmade vinegar for 10 yuan. ⚠️ Homestay prices in the ancient city are inflated. I recommend staying on Binjiang Road across the river; it's only a 10-minute walk across the bridge, and the rates are half the price. 4️⃣ Shennongjia Forestry District | Hubei Shennongjia is not just a mountain; it's a vast expanse of primeval forest. I only visited Dajiuhu this time. Entering the scenic area at 5:30 AM, thin mist was still floating on the lake, and the morning light pierced through the clouds, dyeing the meadows gold. Walking along the boardwalk, dew dampened my shoes, and the air was filled with the scent of pine needles and earth. ⏰ This time of day is the least crowded. After 9:00 AM, tour groups arrive, and the lakeside gets packed. The strange rock formations at Banbiyan are best visited in the afternoon. The rocks have been eroded by wind into bizarre shapes—some look like camels, others like eagle beaks. Walking to the viewing platform, the view suddenly opens up. Distant mountains layer upon layer, with a sea of clouds surging beneath your feet. ⚠️ Cell signal on the mountain is intermittent. Download offline maps in advance and don't take unofficial trails. Shennong Peak is 3,000 meters above sea level, and the temperature difference is significant. Bring a jacket even in summer. The day I went up, it was 30°C at the base but only 12°C at the summit, with winds so strong I couldn't stand steady. 5️⃣ Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Riyue Mountain was the first stop for Princess Wencheng on her journey to Tibet. At 3,500 meters above sea level, the wind is strong enough to blow your hat off. Standing at the summit, you see loess slopes on one side and grasslands on the other, with a dividing line as clear as if it were drawn. 📍 In Daotanghe Town at the foot of the mountain, there's a Tibetan teahouse. A bowl of butter tea costs 10 yuan—savory, rich, and warming. Guide National Geopark offers a completely different scene. The Danxia landforms display stripes of ocher-red, orange-yellow, and grayish-white under the sun, like the rings of the earth. A walk along the boardwalk takes about two hours. The best photo spot is the viewing platform, where you can capture the entire colorful mountain range. ⚠️ There is no shade in the park. It's scorching in summer, so be sure to bring enough water and sunscreen. Departing from Xining, you can visit both Riyue Mountain and Guide in one day. Chartering a car costs about 500 yuan. 6️⃣ Jincheng | Shanxi Huangcheng Xiangfu is an underrated place. This Qing Dynasty castle-style complex is built against the mountain, with layers of courtyards that feel like a maze. It took me three hours to explore it all. Climbing from Heshan Tower to the top of the city wall to overlook the sea of gray-tiled roofs, you can imagine the grandeur of the Chen family back then. ⏰ There is a city-opening ceremony performance at 10:00 AM, with actors in ancient costumes lining up to welcome guests—it's quite ceremonial. The brick carvings in the residence are worth a close look. Every lintel and screen wall is carved with flowers, birds, fish, and insects, with intricate and delicate lines. 📍 The study in the backyard has a wall for books. It's said that it once held ten thousand volumes; now only empty shelves remain, but standing there, you can still smell the old wood. ⚠️ The restaurants at the entrance of the scenic area are expensive and unappetizing—I learned that the hard way. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes to take a taxi from Jincheng East Station. There is no direct bus, so don't try to save money on this. 7️⃣ Beihai | Guangxi You need to stay at least one night on Weizhou Island to make it worth it. Take a boat from Beihai International Passenger Port; it takes about 70 minutes to reach the island, and the ticket costs 150 yuan. After arriving, rent a small e-scooter and ride along the island loop road. The sea breeze fills your collar, and you'll see fields of banana trees and cacti along the way. 📍 The volcanic coastline at Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area is the most spectacular. Black rocks have been eroded by waves into honeycomb shapes, and as waves crash, sea spray splashes onto your face. The sunset at Dishuidanping is the most gentle moment on the island. At 6:00 PM, the setting sun dyes the sea orange-red, and water droplets on the rock walls trickle down the moss, glistening in the backlight. There aren't many people on the beach. Sitting on the reef listening to the waves, you can zone out until dark. 🍜 You can buy seafood yourself at the island's seafood market and have it cooked at a nearby shop. Scallops are 1 yuan each, and the cooking fee is 10 yuan—you can eat until you're stuffed. 8️⃣ Guiyang | Guizhou Tianhetan is only half an hour from the city center, yet it feels like another world. The stalactites in the karst caves glisten under colorful lights, the sound of the underground river echoes in the cave, and a cool breeze hits you. Walking out of the cave, the view suddenly opens up—a turquoise lake reflecting green mountains, like stumbling into a Shangri-La. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM when it's less crowded, and you can hear the sound of water dripping in the cave. Qingyan Ancient Town has more character than I imagined. The city walls are from the Ming Dynasty, and the bluestone roads have been worn smooth and shiny. 📍 Entering from the South Gate, the third shop on the right sells rose ice jelly. It uses local rose syrup, which is rich in floral fragrance, served with chewy little rice balls—one bowl and the summer heat is gone. The braised pig's trotters in the ancient town are also worth a try—tender, flavorful, and 20 yuan per serving. Gaopo Yunding Grassland is best visited in the afternoon. ⚠️ The mountain roads are winding; if you get carsick, take medicine in advance. Eight cities, eight kinds of local life.

Reverse tourism is in full swing! These 8️⃣ cities are less crowded, have beautiful scenery, and are inexpensive. 01 Yueyang | Hunan ⏰ At 7 AM, Yueyang Tower hasn't been overrun by tour groups yet. Don't rush to climb the tower; wander around to Bianhe Street behind it. The noodle shops lining the stone-paved street are steaming. A bowl of beef rice noodles will leave you sweating from the spiciness, then you can leisurely stroll into the scenic area, avoiding the crowds. Yueyang Tower tickets are 70 yuan, half price for students. Don't just focus on the third floor; the carved screen of "Yueyang Tower Inscription" on the second floor is the real gem. Use your phone to take pictures against the glass to avoid glare. It's windy on the top, so remember to hold your hat tight. After descending, walk north along the Dongting Lake for ten minutes to Baling Square. The view of the lake from here is more expansive than from the tower. After 6 PM, the sunset paints the lake golden, and locals stroll along the embankment—no one will be vying for your best photo spot. Junshan Island requires a boat trip; the round-trip boat ticket plus entrance fee is 120 yuan. The tea gardens and Xiangfei Temple on the island are worth visiting, but honestly, if you're short on time, the sunset over the lake is worth the price. ⚠️ The last return boat from the island departs at 5:30 PM; don't miss it. 02 Zhumadian | Henan Zhumadian sounds rustic, but Chaya Mountain is anything but. It's a filming location for *Journey to the West*, with strangely shaped rocks that look like they've grown out of the ground. 🎫 Entrance fee is 70 yuan. It's recommended to enter from the North Gate, first visit the Stone Monkey Courtyard, then climb the One-Line Sky (一线天). The entire hike takes about three hours. For those with average stamina, take the cable car up (50 yuan one way), saving energy for more photos at the summit. Laoleshan Mountain has a completely different feel. There's no entrance fee; it's a popular spot for locals to hike and stroll on weekends. ⏰ Go at 6 AM; the fog hasn't lifted yet, the locust tree leaves on the mountain path are glistening with dew, and the air smells of fresh grass. There's a Lao Jun Temple at the summit; it's not very popular, but it's peaceful. On the way down, stop by a farmhouse restaurant and order a pot of stewed chicken with vermicelli—it'll cost about 40 yuan per person and you'll be stuffed. Don't climb these two mountains on the same day, or your legs will be exhausted. Spend half a day on Chaya Mountain and half a day on Laole Mountain, with lunch in between—that's the perfect pace. 03 Lijiang | Yunnan Don't rush to disagree; Lijiang Old Town is indeed commercialized, but August and September are truly great deals. The Old Town maintenance fee has been abolished, and accommodation is half the price of peak season. I stayed near the South Gate of Dayan Old Town; a guesthouse with a terrace cost only 180 yuan a night, and in the morning, I could see the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain peak when I opened the window. Don't walk on the main street in the Old Town; head straight into the side alleys of Wuyi Street. 📍 There's a small stall selling chicken bean jelly at the corner of Zhenxing Lane; it's 5 yuan a bowl, spicy and sour, and much better value than those trendy shops in Sifang Street. The Mufu Palace entrance fee is 40 yuan. The council hall and Jade Garden inside are worth seeing, but it gets very crowded after 3 PM, so it's recommended to go in as soon as it opens. Black Dragon Pool Park is a fantastic spot to see the reflection of the snow-capped mountains, but ⚠️ it's a waste to go on a cloudy day; fog will obscure everything. After 4 PM, the light is softest, and the reflection of the snow-capped mountains in the pool is so beautiful you can take postcard-perfect photos with your phone. You need a whole day to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Tickets for the cable car should be booked three days in advance through the official account; during peak season, they're practically sold out on the day. 04 Wuhu|Anhui Fantawild Adventure is Wuhu's signature attraction, but don't expect to experience all three parks in one day. Dream Kingdom is more family-friendly with gentler rides; Oriental Mythology has a wooden roller coaster that's thrilling enough to make you scream for three minutes. 🎫 Single park ticket is 280 yuan. If you're only going to one park, I'd choose Oriental Mythology. ⏰ Upon entering the park, rush to the most popular ride, "Jungle Dragon." A half-hour wait is acceptable, but if you go in the afternoon, it will be at least two hours. Don't eat lunch inside the park; it's expensive and the food is terrible. After leaving the park, take a taxi to the vicinity of Zheshan Park. 📍 Phoenix Food Street has shrimp roe noodles; a bowl costs 12 yuan and is incredibly delicious. If you still have energy in the evening, go to Binjiang Park to see the Yangtze River night view. There's no entrance fee, and the river breeze will completely dispel the late summer heat. ⚠️ Fantawild's weekend crowds double; if you can go on a weekday, avoid weekends. 05 Weihai|Shandong Weihai is a coastal city I secretly love. It's cleaner than Qingdao and quieter than Yantai. Chengshantou is in Rongcheng, an hour's drive from the city center. It's the easternmost point of China's coastline. The wind on the sea cliffs is so strong it could whip you into a flag, but standing there looking at the Yellow Sea, you suddenly feel a sense of vastness. The ticket is 148 yuan, a bit pricey, but worth it. Huaxia City is a man-made scenic area. I didn't have high expectations, but I was blown away by the "Journey Through China" live-action performance. The water stage with its lighting tells a story of Jiaodong, and the visual impact is very strong at night. The performance ticket includes the scenic area entrance fee, around 200 yuan. ⚠️ Sit in the middle of the back row for the best view; those in the front will get wet from the spray. Liugong Island is a witness to the Sino-Japanese War. The museum on the island is free, but the ferry round trip costs 100 yuan. ⏰ Arrive on the island at 8 am; there are fewer people, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The island isn't large; you can walk around in two hours. The last ferry back is at 5 pm. For those with elderly people or children, I recommend renting an electric cart to tour the island; it costs 30 yuan per person and saves you walking. 06 Zhuhai | Guangdong Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is incredibly famous, but the queues are much better on weekdays in August and September compared to summer vacation. 🎫 Tickets are 395 yuan; buying them a day in advance on the official website can save you tens of yuan. Upon entering the park, first visit the Whale Shark Aquarium. The crowds in front of the glass wall are huge; rush there as soon as it opens at 9 am to secure a good spot. The Parrot Roller Coaster is the most thrilling ride in the park; brave souls can ride it directly, and the queue time is usually no more than 40 minutes. The evening fireworks show is the grand finale; 📍 the best spots are by the Hengqin seaside, but you need to arrive by 7 pm to grab a seat. ⚠️ Food inside the park is expensive; it's recommended to bring an empty water bottle, as there are free water fountains everywhere. The next day, head to Lovers' Road, the true romance of Zhuhai locals. It's 28 kilometers long; I rented a shared bicycle and rode from the beach swimming area all the way to the Zhuhai Fisher Girl statue. The sea breeze at 5 pm is the most comfortable—not too sunny, and you can watch the sunset. Roadside stalls selling young coconuts cost ten yuan each, half the price of those in tourist areas. 07 Yulin | Shaanxi Yulin is seriously underrated. Wave Valley is in Jingbian County, a two-hour drive from the city. The red sandstone formations resemble the wrinkles of the earth's skin, and the entire valley seems to burn at sunset. 🎫 Entrance fee is 100 yuan, but ⚠️ some sections of the boardwalk inside the valley lack guardrails; those with children must hold their hands. In Jiaxian County, on the banks of the Yellow River, there is Xianglu Temple, built on a giant rock on the riverbank, suspended on three sides. Standing in front of the temple, watching the Yellow River rush by, the wind carries the scent of mud and sand. There is no entrance fee, but the mountain path is steep; wear sneakers, not flip-flops. ⏰ Arrive at 3 pm; the sunlight shines perfectly on the temple, no filter needed for photos. Red Stone Gorge is north of Yulin City; the red sandstone walls of the gorge are covered with inscriptions from various dynasties. The entrance fee here is 30 yuan. There aren't many tourists, and you can hear your own footsteps as you walk along the boardwalk. The canyon is cool in summer, perfect for escaping the midday heat and the scorching northern sun. 08 Jincheng | Shanxi The Huangcheng Xiangfu is the former residence of Chen Tingjing, a famous prime minister of the Qing Dynasty. It's even larger than the Qiao Family Compound. 🎫 The entrance fee is 120 yuan. It's recommended to hire a guide (80 yuan per visit), otherwise you'll just see a bunch of buildings and won't understand the layout. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8:30 am. See the Imperial Library first, then the Heshan Tower; these are the highlights. The Heshan Tower is a defensive fortification built during the wars of the late Ming Dynasty. There are underground passages inside; crawling through them gives you a sense of the tension of fleeing from war. ⚠️ The stairs inside are steep and narrow; elderly people or those with mobility issues should be cautious. For lunch, have a bowl of Jincheng-style braised pork with rice at a small restaurant outside the scenic area; it costs about 30 yuan per person. In the afternoon, I visited Wuting Mountain Village next to the Prime Minister's Residence. This village is a settlement of the Chen family descendants, and there's no entrance fee. There's an old locust tree at the village entrance, and handmade vinegar is sold under it for ten yuan a bottle—cheaper than in the scenic area. I bought two bottles to take home and use in cold dishes; they were delicious. Of these eight places in August and September, I personally recommend Weihai and Yulin the most. One is for sea views, the other for earthen landscapes—both are less crowded and have beautiful scenery, a reverse choice. Which ones have you been to, or which ones would you like to visit? Let's chat in the comments! Reverse tourism is in full swing! These 8️⃣ cities are less crowded, have beautiful scenery, and are inexpensive. 01 Yueyang|Hunan ⏰ At seven in the morning, Yueyang Tower wasn't yet overrun by tour groups. Don't rush to climb the tower; wander around to Bianhe Street behind it. The noodle shops on both sides of the stone-paved street are steaming. After a bowl of beef rice noodles, sweating profusely, I leisurely strolled into the scenic area, just in time to avoid the crowds. Yueyang Tower entrance fee is 70 yuan, half price for students. Don't just focus on the third floor; the carved screen with the "Yueyang Tower Inscription" on the second floor is the real gem. Use your phone to take photos close to the glass to avoid glare. It's windy on the roof, so remember to hold your hat tight. After descending, walk north along the Dongting Lake for ten minutes to reach Baling Square. The view of the lake from there is more expansive than from the tower. After 6 pm, the sunset paints the lake golden, and locals stroll along the embankment, so there's no competition for good photo spots. Junshan Island requires a boat ride; round-trip boat tickets plus entrance fee are 120 yuan. The tea gardens and Xiangfei Temple on the island are worth visiting, but honestly, if you're short on time, the sunset by the lake is worth the price. ⚠️ The last return boat from the island is at 5:30 pm; don't miss it. 02 Zhumadian | Henan Zhumadian sounds rustic, but Chaya Mountain is anything but. It's a filming location for the classic TV series *Journey to the West*, with strangely shaped rocks that look like they've grown out of the ground. 🎫 Entrance fee is 70 yuan. It's recommended to enter from the North Gate, first visit the Stone Monkey Courtyard, then climb the "One Line Sky" (一线天). The entire hike takes about three hours. For those with average stamina, take the cable car up (50 yuan one way), saving energy for more photos at the summit. Lao Le Mountain has a completely different feel. There's no entrance fee, and it's a popular spot for locals to hike and relax on weekends. ⏰ Going at 6 AM is best; the fog hasn't lifted yet, the locust tree leaves on the mountain paths are covered in dew, and the air smells of fresh grass. There's a Lao Jun Temple at the summit; it's not very popular, but it's peaceful. On the way down, stop by a local farmhouse restaurant and order a pot of stewed chicken with vermicelli—about 40 yuan per person, enough to fill you up. Don't climb these two mountains on the same day; your legs will be exhausted. Half a day for Chaya Mountain, half a day for Leshan Mountain, with lunch in between – the pace is just right. 03 Lijiang | Yunnan Don't rush to disagree, Lijiang Old Town is indeed commercialized, but August and September are truly worthwhile. The Old Town maintenance fee has been abolished, and accommodation is half the price of peak season. I stayed near the South Gate of Dayan Old Town; a guesthouse with a terrace was only 180 yuan a night, and in the morning, I could see the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain peak when I opened the window. Don't walk on the main street in the Old Town; head straight into the side alleys of Wuyi Street. 📍 There's a stall selling chicken bean jelly at the corner of Zhenxing Alley; it's five yuan a bowl, sour and spicy, and much more affordable than those trendy shops in Sifang Street. The Mu Palace entrance fee is 40 yuan; the council hall and Jade Garden inside are worth seeing, but it gets too crowded after 3 pm, so I recommend going in as soon as it opens. Black Dragon Pool Park is a fantastic spot to see the reflection of the snow-capped mountains, but ⚠️ it's a no-go on a cloudy day, and fog will obscure everything. The light is softest after 4 PM, and the reflection of the snow-capped mountains in the pool is so beautiful you can take postcard-perfect photos with your phone. You'll need a whole day to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; tickets for the cable car must be booked three days in advance through the official account, as they're practically sold out on the day of travel during peak season. 04 Wuhu|Anhui Fantawild Adventure is Wuhu's signature attraction, but don't expect to experience all three parks in one day. Dream Kingdom is more family-friendly with gentler rides; Oriental Mythology has a wooden roller coaster that's thrilling enough to make you scream for three minutes. 🎫 Single park tickets are 280 yuan. If you're only going to one, I'd choose Oriental Mythology. ⏰ Upon entering the park, head straight for the most popular ride, "Jungle Dragon." A half-hour wait is acceptable, but going again in the afternoon will require at least two hours. Don't eat lunch in the park; it's expensive and the food is terrible. After leaving the park, take a taxi to the vicinity of Zheshan Park. 📍 Phoenix Food Street has shrimp roe noodles for 12 yuan a bowl—incredibly delicious! If you still have energy in the evening, go to Binjiang Park to see the Yangtze River night view. There's no entrance fee, and the river breeze instantly dispels the late summer heat. ⚠️ Fantawild is twice as crowded on weekends, so go on a weekday if possible. 05 Weihai|Shandong Weihai is a hidden gem of a coastal city for me. It's cleaner than Qingdao and quieter than Yantai. Chengshantou is in Rongcheng, an hour's drive from the city center. It's the easternmost point of China's coastline; the wind on the sea cliffs is so strong it could blow you into a flag, but standing there looking at the Yellow Sea, you suddenly feel a sense of openness. The ticket is 148 yuan, a bit pricey, but worth it. Huaxia City is a man-made scenic area, and I didn't have high expectations, but I was blown away by the "Journey Through China" live-action performance. The water stage with its lighting tells a story of Jiaodong, and the visual impact is very strong at night. The show ticket includes admission to the scenic area and costs around 200 yuan. ⚠️ Sit in the middle of the back row for the best view; those in the front will get wet from the water mist. Liugong Island is a witness to the Sino-Japanese War. The museum on the island is free, but the round-trip ferry costs 100 yuan. ⏰ Arrive on the island at 8 am to avoid crowds and take your time. The island is small; you can walk around in two hours. The last ferry back is at 5 pm. For families with elderly people or children, it's recommended to rent an electric cart to tour the island (30 yuan per person), saving you time. 06 Zhuhai|Guangdong Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is very famous, but the queues are much better on weekdays in August and September than during the summer holidays. 🎫 Tickets are 395 yuan; buying them a day in advance on the official website can save you tens of yuan. Upon entering the park, first visit the whale shark aquarium. The crowds in front of the glass wall are huge; rushing in as soon as it opens at 9 am will secure you a good spot. The Parrot Roller Coaster is the most thrilling ride in the park; brave riders can go straight for it. The queue time is usually no more than 40 minutes. The evening fireworks show is the grand finale. 📍 The best spots are on the Hengqin beach, but you need to arrive by 7 PM to secure a seat. ⚠️ Food inside the park is expensive, so bring an empty water bottle; there are free water fountains everywhere. The next day, head to Lovers' Road – this is the true romance of Zhuhai locals. It's 28 kilometers long; I rented a shared bike and rode from the beach swimming area all the way to the Zhuhai Fisher Girl statue. The sea breeze at 5 PM is the most pleasant – not too sunny, and you can watch the sunset. There are coconut stalls selling coconuts along the roadside for 10 yuan each, half the price of those in the scenic area. 07 Yulin | Shaanxi Yulin is seriously underrated. Wave Valley is in Jingbian County, a two-hour drive from the city. The red sandstone formations resemble the wrinkles of the earth's skin, and the entire valley seems to burn at sunset. 🎫 Entrance fee is 100 yuan, but ⚠️ some sections of the boardwalk inside the valley lack guardrails; those with children must hold their hands tightly. In Jiaxian County, on the banks of the Yellow River, stands Xianglu Temple, built on a giant rock overlooking the river, suspended on three sides. Standing before the temple, one can watch the Yellow River rush by, the wind carrying the scent of mud and sand. There's no entrance fee, but the mountain path is steep; wear sneakers, not flip-flops. ⏰ Arrive at 3 PM, the sunlight will be perfect for the temple, no filter needed for photos. Hongshixia Gorge is located north of Yulin City. The red sandstone walls of the gorge are covered with inscriptions from various dynasties. The entrance fee is 30 yuan. There aren't many tourists; you can hear your own footsteps as you walk along the boardwalk. The gorge is cool in summer, perfect for escaping the midday heat and the scorching northern sun. 08 Jincheng | Shanxi Huangcheng Xiangfu is the former residence of Chen Tingjing, a famous prime minister of the Qing Dynasty, and is even larger than the Qiao Family Compound. 🎫 Entrance fee is 120 yuan. It's recommended to hire a guide (80 yuan per tour), otherwise you'll just see a bunch of houses and won't understand the layout. ⏰ Enter as soon as the gates open at 8:30 AM. First, visit the Imperial Library, then the River and Mountain Pavilion – these are the highlights. The River and Mountain Pavilion is a defensive fortification built during the late Ming Dynasty's wars. It has underground tunnels; crawling through them allows you to experience the tension of those seeking refuge from the chaos of war. ⚠️ The stairs inside are steep and narrow; elderly people with mobility issues should be cautious. For lunch, have a bowl of Jincheng-style braised pork with rice at a small restaurant outside the scenic area; it costs about 30 yuan per person. In the afternoon, visit Wuting Mountain Village next to the Prime Minister's Residence. This village is where the descendants of the Chen family live, and there's no entrance fee. There's an old locust tree at the village entrance, and handmade vinegar is sold under it for 10 yuan a bottle – cheaper than in the scenic area. Buy a couple of bottles to take home and use in cold dishes; they're delicious! Of these eight places to visit in August and September, I personally recommend Weihai and Yulin the most. One is for sea views, the other for earthen landscapes – both are less crowded and more scenic options. Which ones have you been to, or which ones would you like to visit? Let's chat in the comments!

Where to take the kids for National Day? These 8️⃣ spots are uncrowded and beautiful 1️⃣ Shenzhen, Guangdong Dameisha Waterfront Park is great for younger children to dig in the sand and splash in the waves. The sand is soft and the waves are gentle. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM. Parking is still available. It usually gets crowded after 10:00 AM. Bring a sun hat and a change of clothes, as kids will get soaked after half an hour of water play. Window of the World is better for elementary school students, allowing them to see global landmarks in one day. You can take photos at the Egyptian pyramids and the Eiffel Tower. There is a fireworks show in the evening, so remember to check the schedule in advance. OCT Tourist Resort is a family-friendly hub. Happy Valley rides are categorized by height, and there are plenty of options for kids under 1.2 meters. Mission Hills Resort focuses on golf and eco-parks, perfect for parents seeking peace and quiet. Cycling around the lake with your kids takes about 40 minutes. 🍜 For lunch, head to Yitian Holiday Plaza. There are kids' meals on B1 for about CNY 50 per person. ⚠️ Window of the World is crowded on weekends, so try visiting on a weekday for a much better experience. 2️⃣ Ankang, Shaanxi Qianceng River is a hidden gem for water play with kids in summer. The water is crystal clear with many shallow areas, making it safe for younger children to splash around. 📍 Navigate to the Qianceng River Scenic Area entrance and walk along the trail for half an hour to reach the first waterfall. The spray on your face feels cool and refreshing. Fengyan Ancient Terraced Fields are better for families with elementary school students who enjoy natural scenery. In October, the rice is golden, layered like an oil painting. ⏰ The light is softest around 5:00 PM, perfect for photos without filters. The mountain roads are winding, so give kids motion sickness medicine beforehand if needed. 🍜 You must try the Ankang steamed noodles. They are sour and spicy, cost CNY 5 a bowl, and are kid-friendly. ⚠️ There is no shade at the terraced fields, and it gets very hot at noon, so bring an umbrella. 3️⃣ Lanzhou, Gansu Lanzhou is the most comfortable stop for eating and drinking with kids. Baitashan Park isn't high. You can climb to the top in 20 minutes to overlook the Yellow River flowing through the city. Elementary school students will be excited to count the cars on the bridges. The provincial museum is a must-visit. The Silk Road Exhibition Hall has dinosaur fossils that will keep younger children mesmerized. ⚠️ It is closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. 🍜 Zhengning Road Night Market opens at 6:00 PM. The milk and egg sweet fermented rice costs CNY 10 a cup. It is sweet but not cloying, and kids can easily drink two. ⏰ It is best to take a sheepskin raft on the Yellow River in the morning when the wind is light and the waves are calm. It costs CNY 80 per person, with half-price for children. Stay near Xiguan Cross to be within walking distance of everything. 4️⃣ Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Xizhou Ancient Town is much quieter than Dali Ancient City. The rice fields are golden in October, and kids will love running along the ridges. 🍜 Xizhou flaky pastry costs CNY 5 each. The freshly baked sweet ones are the best. Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas Cultural Tourist Area is great for elementary school students, and the reflection pool of the Three Pagodas is perfect for photos. ⚠️ It is less crowded after 3:00 PM, and the light is softer. Cycling around Erhai Lake is a highlight. Rent an electric scooter for CNY 60 a day and ride with your kids to Caicun Pier. The scenery along the way is like a painting. The ferry ticket to Nanzhao Folklore Island is CNY 50. There is a small beach on the island where younger children can play for an hour. ⏰ The sunset at Erhai Lake starts at 7:30 PM. Remember to bring a jacket for the kids as it gets windy. 5️⃣ Jincheng, Shanxi Huangcheng Xiangfu Ecological Cultural Tourist Area is a great place to take kids back in time to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Elementary school students will be most interested in the secret passages and attics in the ancient buildings. 📍 Enter through the city gate and follow the central axis. You can finish touring the main residential area in half an hour, then walk around the back garden. The whole trip takes two hours and isn't tiring. ⏰ There is a city gate opening ceremony at 10:00 AM with lively period costume performances that will captivate the kids. 🍜 Try the Yangcheng roasted liver at the entrance for CNY 10 a serving. It is savory and delicious, and kids can eat a lot of it with steamed buns. ⚠️ There are many steps inside, so strollers aren't convenient. A baby carrier is recommended for younger children. Stay in downtown Jincheng. It is a 30-minute taxi ride away, costing about CNY 30. 6️⃣ Shannan, Tibet Yamdrok Lake is the ultimate spot for lake viewing with kids. The water is an unreal shade of blue, and elementary school students will keep asking why it is so blue. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM when the lake surface is calm and reflections are clear. It gets windy and wavy in the afternoon. 📍 The viewing platform is at an altitude of 4,400 meters. Kids will get out of breath after running a few steps, so prepare oxygen canisters in advance and avoid strenuous exercise. 🍜 There are Tibetan noodle shops at the foot of the mountain. A bowl costs CNY 15, and the hot soup is comforting. ⚠️ Staying overnight with kids isn't recommended as the high altitude makes it hard to sleep. A day trip from Lhasa is the safest option. 🚄 Chartering a car from Lhasa takes two hours one way and costs about CNY 300. Ride-sharing is more cost-effective. 7️⃣ Hechi, Guangxi The Donglan landscape is an off-the-beaten-path hidden gem. Take the kids bamboo rafting. The river is emerald green, and the green mountains on both sides are picturesque. ⏰ The light is best after 2:00 PM, making the water sparkle. Jiudun Sinkhole is a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Kids can't go into the water, but watching the spring bubble up from the shore is fun, and the water is so clear you can count the pebbles. Xiangbei Idyllic Paradise is suitable for younger children. The entrance requires going through a cave, and the view that opens up on the other side will make kids go "wow." Sanli Yangdu offers pastoral scenery. Rent a bicycle and ride slowly with your kids. There are roasted sweet potatoes sold by the roadside for CNY 3 each—sweet to the heart. 🍜 You must try Hechi rice noodles. The pickled bamboo shoots have a strong flavor that kids might not like, but adults will love. 8️⃣ Harbin, Heilongjiang Visiting Harbin during National Day is just in time for early autumn. Although the Ice and Snow World isn't open, the Russian-style architecture at Volga Manor is perfect for photos, and kids won't get tired of running on the lawn for half a day. 📍 Feed pigeons at Saint Sophia Cathedral Square. A bag of corn kernels costs CNY 2, and younger children can play for half an hour. 🍜 The Modern popsicle on Central Street costs CNY 5 each. It is creamy, and kids will end up with it all over their faces. ⏰ The sunset by the Songhua River starts at 5:00 PM. The river surface is gilded, perfect for a family stroll. ⚠️ The temperature difference between morning and evening is large in early October, so bring a light down jacket for the kids. A sweatshirt is fine during the day. Stay near Central Street to be close to everything. Of these eight places, I like Ankang and Hechi the best—they are uncrowded and beautiful, and kids can really have fun. Which ones have you taken your kids to? Let's chat in the comments and provide a reference for other parents.

Want to travel during Mid-Autumn Festival but worried about crowds and budget? I've sifted through eight places for you, all within a budget of around 800 RMB, less crowded and with decent scenery. Let's get straight to the point. 01 Yangjiang | Guangdong Hailing Island's Dajiaowan Beach is Yangjiang's gateway, but don't rush straight to the beach area upon entering. 📍 Enter from the east gate of the scenic area. First, walk east along the boardwalk; there will be half the crowds, and the waves will be cleaner. The water is clearest before 10 AM, perfect for wading and taking photos. At midday, when the sun is strong, find refuge in the coconut groves along the shore and rent a hammock—20 RMB to relax until 3 PM. 🍜 Don't eat lunch in the scenic area. Walk to the old street of Zhaipo Town; a bowl of rice noodle rolls run by locals is only 6 RMB, and the fillings are generous! In the afternoon, return to the Dajiaowan surfing area. Remember to ask before renting a board if a life jacket is included; some shops offer low prices but charge an extra 20 RMB after you get in the water. ⚠️ The beach lights come on after 6:30 PM, but the sea breeze gets cool, so bring a light jacket. Stay in a guesthouse in Zhaipo Town; a standard room can be had for 80 yuan, and it's a 10-minute walk to the scenic area. 🚄 A taxi from Yangjiang Station costs about 50 yuan; sharing a ride is cheaper. 02 Jingzhou|Hubei Jingzhou Ancient City is more than just a wall; it's a place where you can spend a whole day exploring bygone eras. Climb the city wall from Binyang Tower in the morning; the entrance fee is included in the ancient city's combined ticket, so don't buy it separately. Rent bicycles on the city wall for 30 yuan per hour; return them at the South Gate, which is perfect for exploring the cedar forest along the moat. 🌙 In mid-to-late September, there's a lantern and folk custom exhibition in the ancient city at night. 📍 The section from the East Gate to Zhongxuan Tower is the most photogenic. The lanterns don't light up until 7 PM, so don't go too early. After viewing the lanterns, the beef rice noodle shop next door at the old South Gate is still open; a bowl costs 15 yuan, and you add your own chili oil. ⚠️ Tricycles in the ancient city will overcharge; agree on a starting price of 10 yuan, but don't take them for more than 15 yuan. If you're traveling with elderly people or children, the northern section of the city wall has a gentle slope, suitable for a leisurely walk; families with children should choose the south gate section, which has more shade and you can feed the koi. 🚄 A taxi from Jingzhou Station to the ancient city takes about 15 minutes. Staying in a guesthouse within the city is more convenient; the price during the Mid-Autumn Festival is around 120 yuan. 03 Yuxi|Yunnan Fuxian Lake is quieter than Dianchi Lake and cheaper than Erhai Lake. A loop around the lake is 80 kilometers; don't try to do the whole thing. I suggest only visiting the east bank. 📍 Start from Moon Bay Wetland Park and ride south to Luchong Scenic Area. This section runs along the water's edge, and the scenery is enough to keep you entertained for two hours. In the afternoon, the wind picks up, and the lake becomes very rough. ⚠️ Don't rent those rubber boats without pedals; they're easily blown away. Fishermen sell silver fish on the shore; fried ones are 10 yuan a serving, best eaten with cold rice noodles. The winds from the Ailao Mountains blow in from the east, and the willows by the lake are coolest around 5 pm, perfect for relaxing. 🎒 For accommodation, choose a guesthouse near Xiao'ao Village; lake-view rooms can be found for under 150 yuan, and you'll see the lake as soon as you open the curtains in the morning. If you're traveling with children, there's a water park on the west bank of Fuxian Lake, but it's crowded. Instead, try collecting seashells by the lake; kids can play all afternoon. 🚄 Take a bus from Kunming South Station to Chengjiang (about 1.5 hours), then a 10-kilometer taxi ride to the lake. 04 Jincheng | Shanxi Huangcheng Xiangfu is a rare castle-style ancient residence in northern China. Visiting during the Mid-Autumn Festival is ideal as it's not too sunny. Arrive before 9 am before the crowds arrive, when the light and shadow on the stone paths and brick walls are at their best. 📍 Enter through the small archway, first see the outer city, then walk through the inner city. Don't go the wrong way, or you'll get lost on the downhill path. ⏰ Have lunch at Xiangfu Outer Street with a bowl of Jincheng braised pork and rice; 15 yuan is all you can eat. There's a live performance, "Welcoming the Emperor," at 3 PM; it's free, but arrive 10 minutes early to secure a spot, otherwise you'll only see a sea of ​​heads. ⚠️ The tunnels inside Xiangfu are narrow and dark; those with knee problems shouldn't try to squeeze in. 🎑 On Mid-Autumn Festival night, Xiangfu is lit up with red lanterns, giving it a more atmospheric feel than during the day. Stay at a farmhouse in Huangcheng Village; 80 yuan a night including breakfast. For dinner, have Yangcheng roasted liver with millet porridge—comfortable. 🚄 There's a direct tourist bus from Jincheng East Station to Huangcheng Xiangfu; the fare is 10 yuan, and the journey takes 40 minutes. 05 Hulunbuir | Inner Mongolia In mid-September, the grass in Hulunbuir isn't fully yellow yet; it's a golden-green hue of late summer. 📍 Starting from Hailar, drive along the Morigele River. Don't just stop at the viewpoint; drive 10 kilometers further in. There's no one on the grassland, only the wind. I lay there for half an hour; the sky felt like it was covering my face. 🐴 Horse riding is cheaper than in summer; 80 yuan for half an hour. The herders will teach you how to get the horse running. ⚠️ Wear long pants; the saddle will chafe your legs. Have lunch in a yurt with hand-pulled mutton for about 60 yuan per person; milk tea is free refills. ⏰ The light after 4 pm is best for photos; backlighting will bring out the golden edges of the grass. 🌙 The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is large; it can be close to zero degrees Celsius on Mid-Autumn Festival night. Choose a yurt with a stove; don't be tempted by cheap felt tents. For families with children, you can hold the lambs raised by the herders for photos; the kids will be ecstatic. 🚄 Shared ride from Hailar city to the grassland: 50 yuan per person round trip. 06 Qiqihar | Heilongjiang Autumn in Zhalong is the domain of the red-crowned cranes. 📍 Enter from the north gate of the scenic area. First, walk along the reed marsh boardwalk. The cranes usually roam the wetlands on the east side, so don't wait at the entrance. ⏰ There are two release shows a day, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. If you miss them, you'll only be able to see the captive cranes. 🍜 After watching the release, there are farmhouse restaurants outside the scenic area. Stewed goose in an iron pot costs about 50 RMB per person, and you can also eat cornbread dipped in the soup—it's savory and delicious. ⚠️ Crane feed is sold inside the scenic area for 10 RMB a bag, but don't feed them randomly; there are designated feeding areas. Bring binoculars for birdwatching; your phone won't be able to capture the distant cranes clearly. 🌾 By the end of September, the reeds begin to turn white, and when the wind blows, they look like waves. Bring elderly people for a leisurely walk; the boardwalk is gentle and not tiring. 🚄 Take bus 306 from Qiqihar South Station directly to Zhalong. The journey takes 40 minutes and costs 5 yuan, half the price of a taxi. 07 Tongren | Guizhou Climbing Fanjingshan during the Mid-Autumn Festival offers a high chance of a sea of ​​clouds, but it's also very crowded. My strategy: Get up early, catch the first cable car, rush to Hongyun Golden Summit first, take photos while there are fewer people, and then leisurely explore the Old Golden Summit. 📍 After getting off the cable car, turn right to reach Hongyun Golden Summit, and turn left to reach the Old Golden Summit. Don't go to the wrong one. Mushroom Rock is between the two; just take a photo along the way. ⏰ Don't linger past 3 PM when descending the mountain. The steps become slippery after fog rolls in half; wearing non-slip shoes is essential. 🍜 At the foot of the mountain, in Zhaisha Dong Village, there's sour fish soup. It costs about 60 yuan per person, and the soup base is enough for two bowls. For accommodation, choose Jiangkou County. 120 yuan includes air conditioning, half the price of accommodation on the mountain, and it's cleaner. ⚠️ Tickets for Fanjingshan during the Mid-Autumn Festival must be booked three days in advance through the official WeChat account; tickets are basically sold out on the day of the festival. Those with average stamina shouldn't attempt to climb the 8,000 steps; the cable car round trip costs 160 yuan, which is worthwhile. 🚄 Take the tourist bus from Tongren Station to Fanjingshan, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs 20 yuan. 08 Xianyang|Shaanxi Qianling Mausoleum is the joint tomb of Wu Zetian and Li Zhi. It's less popular but magnificent. 📍 Walking in from the Sima Road, the stone lions and horses on both sides have stood guard for over a thousand years; the sense of silence is indescribable in photos. After visiting the main mausoleum, don't rush to leave. The eastern side has the tomb of Princess Yongtai, with beautiful murals in the underground palace; it's less crowded, allowing for a more leisurely viewing. 🍜 After visiting Qianling, head directly to Yuanjia Village, the Guanzhong Impression Experience Area, a 40-minute drive. It's more affordable than the Muslim Quarter; a large bowl of oil-splashed noodles is 15 yuan, the vinegar noodles are tangy and spicy, and a bowl of handmade tofu pudding is only 5 yuan. ⚠️ Don't buy the "old-fashioned yogurt" at the village entrance; go further in, there's freshly made yogurt, it's two yuan more expensive but much thicker. 🏮 Yuanjia Village has a real Guanzhong feel after the lights come on at night, but the shops start closing around 9 pm, so don't arrive too late. If you have children, there are shadow puppet shows in the village, 10 yuan per person, sit on a small stool and watch the old artists perform. 🚄 It only takes 15 minutes to take the high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Xianyang, then take a taxi or bus to Qianling Mausoleum, a perfect day trip. These eight places are within a budget of 800 yuan. The key to saving money is: find accommodation in county towns or small towns, and avoid eating near scenic area entrances. Mid-Autumn Festival is only a three-day holiday, don't waste time queuing. Which ones have you been to? Or do you want me to explore other places? Let me know in the comments, and I'll write more about them later. Want to travel during Mid-Autumn Festival but worried about crowds and money? I've selected eight places for you, with a budget around 800 yuan, less crowded and with decent scenery. Let's get straight to the point. 01 Yangjiang | Guangdong Dajiaowan Beach on Hailing Island is the face of Yangjiang, but don't rush straight to the beach area as soon as you enter. 📍 Enter from the east gate of the scenic area. First, walk east along the boardwalk; there will be half the crowds, and the waves will be cleaner. The seawater is clearest before 10 am, perfect for wading and taking photos. At midday, when the sun is strong, find refuge in the coconut groves along the shore and rent a hammock—20 yuan until 3 pm. 🍜 Don't eat lunch in the scenic area. Walk to the old street of Zhaipo Town; a bowl of rice noodle rolls run by locals costs only 6 yuan, and the filling is more generous than your face! In the afternoon, return to the Dajiaowan surfing area. Remember to ask if a life jacket is included before renting a board; some shops offer a low price but charge you 20 yuan after you get in the water. ⚠️ After 6:30 pm, the beach lights come on, but the sea breeze turns cool; bring a light jacket. Stay in a guesthouse in Zhaipo Town; a standard room can be had for 80 yuan, and it's a 10-minute walk to the scenic area. 🚄 A taxi from Yangjiang Station costs about 50 yuan, but sharing a ride is cheaper. 02 Jingzhou|Hubei Jingzhou Ancient City is more than just a wall; it's a place where you can spend a whole day exploring bygone eras. Climb the city wall from Binyang Tower in the morning; the entrance fee is included in the ancient city's combined ticket, so don't buy it separately. Rent a bicycle on the city wall for 30 yuan per hour, and return it at the South Gate, where you can easily enter the cedar forest along the moat. 🌙 In mid-to-late September, there's a lantern and folk custom exhibition in the ancient city at night. 📍 The section from the East Gate to Zhongxuan Tower is the most photogenic. The lanterns don't light up until 7 PM, so don't go too early. After viewing the lanterns, the beef rice noodle shop next door at the old South Gate is still open; a bowl costs 15 yuan, and you add your own chili oil. ⚠️ Tricycles inside the ancient city will overcharge; agree on a starting price of 10 yuan, and don't take them for more than 15 yuan. For families with elderly members or young children, the northern section of the city wall has a gentle slope, suitable for a leisurely walk; families with children should choose the southern section, which offers more shade and the opportunity to feed koi. 🚄 A taxi from Jingzhou Station to the ancient city takes about 15 minutes. Staying in a guesthouse within the city is more convenient, with prices around 120 RMB during the Mid-Autumn Festival. 03 Yuxi|Yunnan Fuxian Lake is quieter than Dianchi Lake and cheaper than Erhai Lake. A loop around the lake is 80 kilometers; don't try to cover the entire loop. I recommend only exploring the eastern shore. 📍 Start from Moon Bay Wetland Park and cycle south to Luchong Scenic Area. This section hugs the water's edge, offering enough scenery for two hours. In the afternoon, the wind picks up, and the lake becomes quite rough. ⚠️ Avoid renting inflatable boats without pedals, as they are easily blown away. Fishermen sell fried silverfish on the shore for 10 RMB a serving, which can be eaten with cold rice noodles. The wind from the Ailao Mountains blows from the east, and the willow trees along the lake are coolest around 5 PM, perfect for relaxing. 🎒 For accommodation, choose a guesthouse near Xiao'ao Village. Lake-view rooms are available for under 150 RMB, and you'll see the lake as soon as you open the curtains in the morning. If you have children, there's a water park on the west bank of Fuxian Lake, but it's crowded. Instead, try collecting seashells by the lake; kids can play all afternoon. 🚄 Take a bus from Kunming South Railway Station to Chengjiang (about 1.5 hours), then a 10km taxi ride to the lake. 04 Jincheng | Shanxi Huangcheng Xiangfu is a rare castle-style ancient residence in northern China. Visiting during the Mid-Autumn Festival is ideal as it's not too sunny. Arrive before 9 am before the crowds arrive, when the light and shadow on the stone paths and brick walls are at their best. 📍 Enter through the small archway, first see the outer city, then walk through the inner city. Don't go the wrong way, or you'll get lost on the downhill path. ⏰ For lunch, have a bowl of Jincheng-style braised pork and rice on the outer street of Xiangfu; it's 15 RMB and all you can eat. There's a live performance called "Welcoming the Emperor" at 3 PM. It's free, but arrive 10 minutes early to secure a good spot, otherwise you'll only see a sea of ​​heads. ⚠️ The tunnels inside the Prime Minister's Residence are narrow and dark; those with knee problems shouldn't try to squeeze in. 🎑 On Mid-Autumn Festival night, the Prime Minister's Residence is illuminated with red lanterns, creating a more atmospheric experience than during the day. Stay at a farmhouse in Huangcheng Village for 80 yuan a night, including breakfast. For dinner, try Yangcheng roasted liver with millet porridge—it's comforting. 🚄 There's a direct tourist bus from Jincheng East Station to Huangcheng Prime Minister's Residence. The fare is 10 yuan, and the journey takes 40 minutes. 05 Hulunbuir | Inner Mongolia In mid-September, the grass in Hulunbuir isn't fully yellow yet; it's a golden-green hue of late summer. 📍 Starting from Hailar, drive along the Morigele River. Don't just stop at the viewpoint; drive 10 kilometers further in. There's no one on the grassland, only the wind. I lay there for half an hour; the sky felt like it was covering my face. 🐴 Horse riding is cheaper than in summer; 80 yuan for half an hour, and the herders will teach you how to get the horse running. ⚠️ Wear long pants; saddle chafing is no joke. Lunch is served in a yurt with hand-pulled mutton; it costs 60 yuan per person, and milk tea is refillable. ⏰ The light after 4 pm is best for photos; backlighting can bring out the golden edges of the grass. 🌙 The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is large; it can be close to zero degrees Celsius on Mid-Autumn Festival night. Choose a yurt with a stove; don't be tempted by cheap felt tents. For families with children, you can hold and take photos with the herders' lambs; the kids will be thrilled. 🚄 Shared ride from Hailar city to the grassland costs 50 yuan per person round trip. 06 Qiqihar|Heilongjiang Autumn in Zhalong is the domain of the red-crowned cranes. 📍 Enter from the North Gate of the scenic area. First, walk along the reed marsh boardwalk. The cranes usually roam the wetlands on the east side, so don't wait at the entrance. ⏰ There are two release shows a day, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. If you miss them, you can only see the captive cranes. 🍜 After watching the release, there are farmhouse restaurants outside the scenic area. The braised goose in an iron pot costs about 50 yuan per person, and you can also eat it with cornbread dipped in the soup – it's savory and delicious. ⚠️ Crane feed is sold inside the scenic area for 10 yuan a bag, but don't feed them randomly; there are designated feeding areas. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as your phone won't be able to capture the distant cranes clearly. 🌾 By the end of September, the reeds begin to turn white, and when the wind blows, they look like waves. It's a good place to bring elderly people for a leisurely walk; the boardwalk is gentle and not tiring. 🚄 Take bus 306 from Qiqihar South Station directly to Zhalong. The journey takes 40 minutes and costs 5 yuan, which is half the price of a taxi. 07 Tongren | Guizhou Climbing Fanjingshan during the Mid-Autumn Festival offers a high chance of a sea of ​​clouds, but it's also very crowded. My strategy: Get up early, take the first cable car, rush to the Red Cloud Golden Summit first, take photos while there are fewer people, and then leisurely explore the Old Golden Summit. 📍 After the cable car exit, turn right to reach the Red Cloud Golden Summit, and turn left to reach the Old Golden Summit. Don't go the wrong way. Mushroom Rock is between the two; just take a photo along the way. ⏰ Don't linger past 3 PM on the way down the mountain. The steps become slippery after fog rolls in on the mountainside; wearing non-slip shoes is essential. 🍜 At the foot of the mountain, in Zhaisha Dong Village, there's sour fish soup, averaging 60 RMB per person. The soup base is enough for two bowls. For accommodation, choose Jiangkou County; 120 RMB includes air conditioning, half the price of accommodation on the mountain and cleaner. ⚠️ During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Fanjingshan tickets must be booked three days in advance through the official WeChat account; tickets are basically sold out on the day of the festival. Those with average physical fitness shouldn't attempt to climb the 8,000 steps; the cable car round trip costs 160 yuan, which is worthwhile. 🚄 Take the tourist bus from Tongren Station to Fanjingshan, about 1.5 hours, ticket price 20 yuan. 08 Xianyang|Shaanxi Qianling Mausoleum is the joint tomb of Wu Zetian and Li Zhi, less popular but magnificent. 📍 Walking in from Sima Road, the stone lions and horses on both sides have stood guard for over a thousand years; the sense of silence cannot be captured in photos. After visiting the main mausoleum, don't rush to leave; the eastern side has the tomb of Princess Yongtai, with beautiful murals in the underground palace, less crowded, allowing for a leisurely visit. 🍜 After visiting Qianling, head directly to Yuanjia Village, the Guanzhong Impression Experience Area, a 40-minute drive. It's more affordable than the Muslim Quarter; a large bowl of oil-splashed noodles is 15 yuan, vinegar noodles are tangy and spicy, and a bowl of handmade tofu pudding is only 5 yuan. ⚠️ Don't buy the "old-fashioned yogurt" at the village entrance; go further in, there's freshly made yogurt, it's two yuan more expensive but much thicker. 🏮 Yuanjia Village has a real Guanzhong feel after the lights come on at night, but the shops start closing around 9 pm, so don't arrive too late. If you have children, there are shadow puppet shows in the village, 10 yuan per person, sit on a small stool and watch the old artists perform. 🚄 From Xi'an North Station, take the high-speed train to Xianyang, it only takes 15 minutes, then take a taxi or bus to Qianling Mausoleum, a perfect day trip. These eight places are within reach with a budget of 800 yuan. The key to saving money is: find accommodation in county towns or small towns, and avoid eating near the scenic area entrances. Mid-Autumn Festival is only a three-day holiday, don't waste time queuing. Which ones have you been to? Or where would you like me to explore further? Let me know in the comments, and I'll write more about it later.

Tired of the crowds at home? 🥵 I've found 4 hidden gem cities you can reach by high-speed rail in under 2 hours. No massive tour groups, affordable prices, a slow pace, and a mix of culture, scenery, and ancient cities. Perfect for a 3-day getaway—just pack your bags and go this weekend✨ 🏯 Stop 1 | Bozhou, Anhui | Ancient capital of traditional medicine 🚄 Transport 1.5 hours from Zhengzhou East Station to Bozhou South Station by high-speed rail, with frequent departures. Ride-hailing and buses are convenient within the city, and key attractions are concentrated in the old town, close to each other. For accommodation, prioritize the Beiguan Old Street area; there are many budget-friendly guesthouses, and you're right on the ancient street. 💛 Experience An underrated ancient city in northern Anhui🌙. Not many tourists, full of local life. Walking along Beiguan Historical Street, you'll see blue bricks and gray tiles—no cookie-cutter tourist shops, just locals going about their day. The carvings at Huaxilou are stunning, and the Underground Tunnel is cool and refreshing—a very fresh experience. The city is flat, so no need for strenuous hiking; it's very relaxing and perfect for a slow-paced getaway. 🍜 Food recommendations🤤 ✅ Guoyang dry noodles🍜: chewy and flavorful, a local favorite ✅ Sa soup: rich and savory, perfect for breakfast ✅ Beef mo: crispy on the outside, packed with filling ✅ Yimen smoked beef: salty, savory, and chewy, great as a souvenir 📅 3-day itinerary Day 1 | Arrive and check in, explore Beiguan Ming and Qing Old Street, visit Huaxilou, take a walk along the Guo River in the evening, and enjoy local snacks at night. Day 2 | Explore the Cao Cao Underground Tunnel for an immersive experience, then visit Huazu Temple to learn about local history and culture. Day 3 | Take a leisurely stroll through Gujing Town, shop for local specialties, enjoy an authentic northern Anhui meal, and head home. ⛰️ Stop 2 | Jincheng, Shanxi | The secret realm of Taihang ancient castles 🚄 Transport 1 hour and 20 minutes from Zhengzhou East Station to Jincheng East Station by high-speed rail; take a taxi from the station to the city center. For surrounding castles and scenic spots, I recommend taking a taxi or carpooling. Stay in the city center for convenient dining, accommodation, and transport. 💛 Experience A treasure of a small city at the foot of the Taihang Mountains🌲. Much quieter than Pingyao, filled with Ming and Qing dynasty castles and ancient villages. It has both the majestic Taihang Mountain scenery and rich southeastern Shanxi architecture. The Imperial City Prime Minister's Mansion is grand, Xiangyu Castle is rustic and weathered, and the Dan River Wetland is lush and green. Few tour groups, so you don't have to worry about crowds in your photos. The mountain temperatures are comfortable in summer, making it a great escape from the heat. 🍜 Food recommendations🤤 ✅ Gaoping ten bowls🥘: a mix of meat and vegetables, authentic southeastern Shanxi banquet flavor ✅ Jincheng stir-fried liangfen: crispy and chewy, a must-eat street food ✅ Heluo noodles: chewy and smooth, one bowl is filling ✅ Yangcheng meat-in-a-jar: rich meat flavor, unique taste 📅 3-day itinerary Day 1 | Arrive and rest, visit the Jincheng Museum, stroll through Situ Town in the afternoon, enjoy the night view, and eat local snacks. Day 2 | Spend the whole day at the Imperial City Prime Minister's Mansion, explore the Ming and Qing castles and courtyards, and experience the charm of Shanxi architecture. Day 3 | Take a slow walk through Xiangyu Castle, get some fresh air at the Dan River Wetland, enjoy the mountain breeze, and head home. 🌊 Stop 3 | Liaocheng, Shandong | The water city of northern China 🚄 Transport 1 hour and 50 minutes from Zhengzhou East Station to Liaocheng West Station by high-speed rail. Taxis are cost-effective within the city, and attractions around Dongchang Lake are close to each other. Prioritize accommodation near the Water Ancient City so you can see the lake from your window. 💛 Experience An ancient canal city surrounded by lake water💧! Dongchang Lake is vast, encircling the entire old town. The China Water Ancient City sits in the middle of the lake, with a strong sense of daily life and not too much commercialization. Climb Guangyue Tower for a bird's-eye view of the lake city, and admire the exquisite carving craftsmanship at the Shan-Shaan Guild Hall. Walking along the lake with the evening breeze is incredibly healing—slow-paced, uncrowded, and peaceful. 🍜 Food recommendations🤤 ✅ Shazhen guada🥞: crispy skin with savory filling ✅ Gaotang old tofu: smooth and refreshing, a breakfast must-have ✅ Liaocheng smoked chicken: firm meat that gets more fragrant the more you chew ✅ Lamb soup: milky white broth, warm and delicious 📅 3-day itinerary Day 1 | Arrive and check in, explore the shores of Dongchang Lake, take a walk in the breeze, and enjoy the night view of the ancient city and lake. Day 2 | Deep dive into the China Water Ancient City, wander through the alleys and courtyards, visit Guangyue Tower and the Shan-Shaan Guild Hall, and experience canal culture. Day 3 | Visit the Canal Museum, shop for local specialties in the old town, and head home at a leisurely pace. 🏺 Stop 4 | Handan, Hebei | The ancient city of idioms 🚄 Transport 1 hour and 40 minutes from Zhengzhou East Station to Handan East Station by high-speed rail. You can reach city attractions by bus or ride-hailing; take a taxi to Guangfu Ancient City. Stay in the Congtai District for convenient dining and shopping. 💛 Experience An ancient city that hasn't changed its name in 3,000 years📜, filled with relics related to idioms. Congtai Park is shaded by trees, a peaceful spot where locals relax. Guangfu Ancient City is surrounded by a moat and has intact ancient walls; you can stroll along the walls and look out at the reed wetlands outside. The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are hidden in the mountains, with rustic and profound stone carvings. The city roads are flat, so no strenuous hiking is required—great for travelers of all ages. 🍜 Food recommendations🤤 ✅ Wu'an zhui noodles🍜: chewy noodles with rich sauce and huge portions ✅ Ermao roast chicken: tender and flavorful ✅ Yongnian crispy fish: soft bones, fresh and delicious ✅ Donkey meat burger: crispy crust with generous meat filling 📅 3-day itinerary Day 1 | Arrive, visit Congtai Park and Huiche Lane, explore the old town for classic snacks, and experience the local vibe. Day 2 | Head to Guangfu Ancient City, stroll along the ancient walls, walk around the moat, and experience the charm of a northern water city. Day 3 | If time permits, visit the Xiangtangshan Grottoes, then browse local markets, eat specialty foods, and head home. 💡 Travel tips✨ 1. These cities have many cultural and historical sites, so I recommend wearing comfortable flat shoes for long walks. 2. There is a temperature difference between day and night in mountainous and lakeside areas, so bring a light jacket even in summer. 3. Book high-speed rail tickets in advance for holidays; there aren't many guesthouses in small cities, so book your accommodation early. 4. Try to choose old street-side restaurants crowded with locals, and avoid high-priced shops at tourist attraction entrances. 5. Keep an eye on children when playing by the lake and stay away from dangerous water areas; the ground in castles and grottoes can be uneven, so watch your step. 6. Some museums and exhibition halls require online reservations in advance, so check opening hours before you go. 💌 Final thoughts Tired of the crowds at popular tourist spots? You really should head to these hidden gem cities nearby🥰! They have ancient castles, historic buildings, beautiful lakes, and authentic local food. It's affordable and you don't have to rush your itinerary. On a weekend or short holiday, take the high-speed rail from Henan, escape the daily grind, and enjoy a relaxing short trip!

1️⃣ Shangluo | Shaanxi Take your parents to Shangluo and head straight to Jinsi Gorge as your first stop. Enter the park at 8:00 AM when the air is pleasantly cool. The boardwalk is gentle, so it’s easy for your parents to walk. The canyon’s waterfalls follow you the whole way; if you get tired, rest at a viewing platform—there are plenty of seats, no need to jockey for one. ⚠️ Remember to bring a light jacket for your parents; the canyon is about 5–6°C cooler than outside. At noon, go to Manchuan Ancient Town. The town is small—stroll the main street in about 30 minutes. There’s a handmade noodle shop at the street entrance where the owner rolls and boils noodles on the spot. A bowl of hot soup noodles will make you feel completely refreshed. 📍 The parking lot is right outside the town’s north gate, so you don’t have to backtrack. In the afternoon, continue to Tianshu Gorge. It’s less crowded, the boardwalk runs along the stream, and the trees provide dense shade. Baita Temple is near the canyon entrance; the pagoda cluster is well arranged, so photos have clean backgrounds without waiting. ⏰ After 3:00 PM the light hits at an angle and the towers’ contours are especially clear. Walking the whole route keeps steps around 8,000, and your parents won’t feel tired. 2️⃣ Jilin For Songhua Lake and Rime Island, I suggest choosing only one. If you’re with your parents, I prefer Songhua Lake. Take a sightseeing boat around the lake; it’s windy but not cold, and the open water lets you enjoy the scenery without tiring your legs. Boat tickets are included in the park’s combo ticket, so you don’t need to queue separately. ⚠️ It gets crowded after 10:00 AM on weekends—try to catch the 9:00 AM boat. Rime Island is better in winter; visiting in autumn often means you might miss the rime. If you insist on going, check the rime forecast in advance, or you’ll most likely only see bare branches. The island is windy, so make sure your parents have hats and scarves. At noon, find a lakeside iron pot stew restaurant; the fish is freshly caught. Pancakes stuck to the pot edge and dipped in the broth are a local favorite—your parents will like it. 🍜 I recommend the sauerkraut and pork broth base rather than the pure fish pot; it’s more appetizing. In the afternoon, return to the city and stroll along the Songhua River—the river breeze is cool and the path is flat, good for after-dinner digestion. 3️⃣ Zhoukou | Henan Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum and Taiqing Palace are close to each other, so you can visit both in one day. In the morning, go to Taihao Mausoleum first. The park is large but has flat paths, with ancient cypresses providing shade so you won’t be exposed to the sun. ⏰ Enter right when it opens at 8:00 AM; there are few people and it’s quiet, so your parents can take their time viewing the steles and halls. There are many restrooms in the park, about every few hundred meters, which is very convenient for older adults. For lunch in Huaiyang city, try Fang’s roast chicken. Locals have eaten it since childhood; the meat is so tender it falls off the bone, so parents with weaker teeth can still enjoy it. 📍 The shop is on the middle section of Xinhua Street—search for it in your map app. In the afternoon, visit Taiqing Palace; it’s smaller than Taihao Mausoleum and easier to walk around. The square in front of the halls is open and suitable for sitting and resting. ⚠️ Taiqing Palace clears the site at 5:00 PM, so don’t enter at 4:50 PM. Walking this whole route totals fewer than 6,000 steps at a very relaxed pace. 4️⃣ Jincheng | Shanxi Huangcheng Xiangfu is a large attraction, but don’t be intimidated by its size. My suggested route: take the electric cart from the entrance to the inner city, then walk downhill from the highest point—this way it’s downhill all the way and your parents’ knees won’t suffer. The inner city’s brick and stone carvings are worth a close look; every detail has a story. Join a guided commentary for about half an hour—it's more interesting than wandering randomly. For lunch, eat at Xiangfu Family Banquet inside the park. The 88 banquet offers generous portions; two people ordering four dishes is enough. 🍜 I recommend millet braised rice and sweet-and-sour meatballs; they’re soft and easy to chew. ⚠️ Bottled water inside the park is expensive, so bring two bottles; there’s a free water refill point at the entrance. In the afternoon, go up on the city wall for a panoramic view. It’s windy but the visibility is great, and you won’t have to fight for a photo spot. ⏰ After about 5:00 PM most visitors have left and the light is soft—perfect for taking photos with your parents. Visiting the whole attraction, including lunch, takes about 4 hours, which is just the right pace. 5️⃣ Shaoyang | Hunan For Langshan, focus on viewing the mountains rather than climbing them. I recommend taking the Bajiaozhai cable car; a round-trip ticket is about CNY 120, which takes you directly to the summit and skips the hardest climb. The summit boardwalk is gentle, with Danxia landforms unfolding below; on misty days it feels like a fairyland. ⚠️ The cable car stops operating at 4:30 PM, so don’t stay out too late. At noon, find a farmhouse restaurant at the mountain foot. Blood duck and cured meat stir-fried with bamboo shoots are the signature dishes; you can ask the owner to make them half as spicy. 📍 At the park entrance, the second place on the right, Langshan Home, has a sincere owner and generous portions. If your parents still have energy, in the afternoon you can walk a section of Tianyi Alley. The alley is narrow but short—you can finish it in 10 minutes, and the feeling of walls enclosing the sky is striking. ⏰ It’s best to visit after rain when the rock walls are moist and the colors are deeper and redder. The whole route keeps steps around 7,000, which older adults can handle. 6️⃣ Shigatse | Tibet When bringing your parents to Shigatse, don’t head straight to Everest Base Camp—the elevation is about 5,200 meters and older adults can easily get altitude sickness. I suggest staying two days in the city to acclimatize and then slowly visit Tashilhunpo Monastery. The monastery is large but has flat paths, and there are benches along the kora so you can sit whenever you get tired. ⏰ Enter right when it opens at 9:00 AM; there are fewer visitors and good sunlight. If your parents are in good condition, you can consider going to Everest Base Camp. ⚠️ You must book the eco-friendly shuttle on the "Everest Tourism" mini program in advance. Tickets plus shuttle fare are about CNY 300 per person. The base camp is very windy; oxygen cylinders and thick jackets are lifesaving gear—don’t skimp on them. 🍜 In the city, try Tibetan Family Feast; butter tea and yak meat buns are authentic, the place is clean, and there are soft seats. 📍 It’s on Zhufeng Road, a 10-minute walk from Tashilhunpo Monastery. Make the city the main part of the trip and Base Camp a secondary plan—your parents’ safety comes first. 7️⃣ Weihai | Shandong For Weihai’s three attractions, here’s my priority: Chengshantou first, Huaxia City second, Liugong Island depending on conditions. Chengshantou has strong sea winds but easy paths; the boardwalk is built along the cliffs with open views, so older adults can enjoy the sea without tiring. ⏰ Arrive at 8:00 AM to avoid crowds and capture clean coastline photos. Huaxia City is an artificial attraction notable for its flat terrain—good for parents who can’t walk far. There are electric carts inside, CNY 20 per person, hop on and off as needed. ⚠️ There’s a performance at 3:00 PM; seats are first-come, first-served, so arrive half an hour early for front-row seats. To get to Liugong Island you need a boat; in rough seas older adults can get seasick, so check the weather before departure. The island’s Sino-Japanese War museum is worth seeing, but the exhibition halls are dim and have many steps—parents with mobility issues should be careful. 🍜 For lunch on the island, try Spanish mackerel dumplings; they’re fresh but on the pricey side—one order is CNY 38, so order only if you’re okay with the price. 8️⃣ Qinhuangdao | Hebei For Beidaihe and Shanhaiguan, I suggest splitting into two days—one city per day, no rush. For Beidaihe beach, Geziwo Park is the top pick; the beach is gentle and at low tide you can find small crabs. ⏰ Go at 6:00 AM to catch the sunrise and beachcombing—two hours is enough, then head back to the hotel for more sleep. Shanhaiguan is an ancient city and easier to walk than you’d think. Enter via the "First Pass Under Heaven" gate tower, then walk south along the base of the city wall on flat ground. Shops on both sides sell peanut cake and puluo leaf cakes—buy some as snacks. 📍 The park exit is near the bell and drum tower, and the bus stop is right outside, making it easy to return to the city. ⚠️ For Beidaihe’s seafood stalls, don’t eat right at the park entrance. Walk about 500 m toward Liuzhuang and prices can be about 30% cheaper. 🍜 I recommend steamed mantis shrimp; the meat is firm, but after September mantis shrimp become thin, so switch to clams for better value. For the whole trip, stay one night in each city so the pace isn’t rushed and your parents can relax.

If you want to combine the autumn colors of the Taihang Mountains with ancient castles in a single weekend, the Jincheng–Lingchuan–Yangcheng road trip route is perfect. The first half is for mountain views, and the second half is for exploring Ming and Qing dynasty settlements. Don't try to do too much in 3 days; follow the order of "enter via Jincheng, hike in Lingchuan, and stay in a castle in Yangcheng" for a relaxed pace of driving and walking. 🍂 Start by setting your meeting point in Jincheng. For friends coming from Zhengzhou, Taiyuan, or Luoyang, we recommend arriving in the afternoon and only planning to visit castle sites in the city and Zezhou area. This leaves time for meals, picking up supplies, and getting into the rhythm of driving. The blue-brick alleys and courtyard details are best enjoyed at a slow pace; you'll get better photos of the gate towers in the evening than by rushing to see multiple attractions. On the second day, head toward Lingchuan. The key is to treat the mountain scenery outside your car window as part of the journey. The roads in the Taihang highlands are winding, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is significant. Rotate drivers, and leave extra time for scenic stops and restroom breaks; don't pack your itinerary with back-to-back stops. 🚗 For the Lingchuan leg, we suggest choosing just 1 canyon or mountain trail as your main activity. Autumn is all about layers: nearby villages, colorful slopes, and distant mountain ridges will all appear in your photos. Wear non-slip shoes and carry a windbreaker. If fog rolls in, switch from long-distance viewing to a leisurely walk; the experience will be more enjoyable. On the third day, shift your focus to Yangcheng. This is a place to turn "sightseeing" into "experiencing life." Follow a route through the castle gates, alleys, ancestral halls, and residences, and don't rush to take panoramic shots. If some in your group prefer history and others prefer photography, agree on a meeting point, explore separately for an hour, and then regroup on the main street. 🏮 We recommend ending your Yangcheng trip with a night tour of the ancient castle, rather than treating it as an afterthought to your daytime itinerary. After dark, the interplay of light and shadow on the brick walls and gate arches becomes clearer. When taking photos, avoid using strong fill light; having people stand near walls or arches creates a better composition than standing in an open space. Temperatures drop quickly at night, so a light down jacket or fleece is more practical than bringing extra outfits. Choose your accommodation based on your departure plans for the next day. If you want to extend your evening walk, stay near the castle or in downtown Yangcheng. If you prioritize efficiency for your return trip, figure out parking, breakfast, and the route to the highway in advance. If traveling with 3 to 5 adult friends, booking 2 rooms or a vacation rental where you can hang out is less hassle than changing hotels every day. 🛏️ This route has a clear focus: it's not for those who want to check off as many spots as possible, but it's perfect for weaving mountain roads, ancient castles, and night scenery into a complete experience. When traveling between September and October, bring warm layers, rain gear, and water. Spend the best daylight hours in the mountains, and save the dusk and evening for the alleys of Yangcheng. 🌙 Before heading home, don't forget to check your fuel level and trunk, and pack away the jackets that caught the mountain breeze. After 3 days like this, what you'll remember is the silhouette of the Lingchuan ridges, the light in the castle gate arches, and the sound of friends in the car discussing "where to go next."

During the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, these 8️⃣ places are less crowded and beautiful, so bring your family and set off 1️⃣ Shijiazhuang City | Hebei First the conclusion: if you have two days, don't be greedy, leaving time for Xibaipo and Zhaozhou Bridge is enough. 📍 Xipapo is recommended to go early, open at 8:30, less people and quiet, you can slowly see the exhibition. The parking lot is not far from the entrance, so you don’t have to walk too long with the elderly and children. ⏰ Ends before noon, drive directly to Zhaozhou Bridge, the drive is about an hour. The bridge is not big, but standing under the bridge and looking at the arched structure, you can still feel the power of the thousand-year-old project. 🍜 Lunch is solved in Zhao County, find a small shop selling donkey meat grilled, immediately baked cake sandwiched with hot donkey meat, with a bowl of millet porridge, the average of twenty dollars per person. ⚠️ West Park is closed every Monday, don't go there in vain. Tickets for Zhaozhou Bridge are $40. If you book online in advance, you can get $5 cheaper. Remember to buy one day in advance. 2️⃣ Jiujiang City|Jiangxi Mount Kunming and Mount Kunming West Sea, I advise you not to make a choice, go directly to both, but in the right order. On the first day, we will go up to Mount Kunming. Take the ropeway up and down to save some energy. The temperature in the mountains is seven or eight degrees lower than in the city. It's just right for Mid-Autumn Festival. Short sleeves and a thin jacket are enough. 📍Flower Trail and Ruqin Lake are a must-see, the lake is shrouded in mist, the most beautiful around nine o'clock in the morning. Don't rush to those celebrity photo spots. You can't take pictures when people are crowded. The next day we transferred to the western sea of ​​Yuen Long, driving for an hour and a half. It is more suitable for slow living, rent a small boat and float on the lake, the water is clear to the bottom. 🚄 There is a direct bus from Jiujiang Station to Yushan Cableway, every twenty minutes, and a taxi is only $30. ⚠️ The "speedboat package" that attracts customers at the western sea pier in Yunnan, the price is 180, in fact, the on-site bargain can be 120, do not be taken advantage of. 3️⃣ Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture|Hunan The ancient city of Phoenix is ​​10 times more beautiful at night than during the day, but never book accommodation on the riverside bar street, which is noisy until 2am. I suggest you live outside the ancient city, 10 minutes walk into the ancient city, the room is half cheaper. Entering the ancient city after 5pm, the light is just right. The red lanterns on both sides of the Yujiang River are lit and reflected in the water. That screen is worth all the tickets. The Dehang Grand Canyon and the Aozhai Bridge are stuck together and can go together. The hike in the canyon is not long, two hours round trip, and is suitable for a walk and stop for parents. The village of Shibadong is more suitable for those interested in folklore. The village has a guide to see the old houses and talk about the life of the Miao family, which takes about forty minutes. 🍜 For dinner, find a place that makes blood dumplings in the ancient city. The duck meat is stewed until it is soft, and the glutinous rice dumplings absorb the soup. It is served with a bowl of pickled carrots to relieve the thirst. ⚠️ Phoenix Ancient City does not charge big tickets, but several small attractions inside have to buy tickets separately, do not listen to the roadside lady saying "take you through the free ticket passage", those are to deceive you to buy her house silver jewelry. 4️⃣ Guiyang City | Guizhou These places around Guiyang, let me help you prioritize: Tianhetan > Qingyan Ancient Town > Huaxi Park, Gaopo Yunding Grassland to see the weather. The most worth visiting Tianhetan is the water cave and the drought cave. Take a boat into the cave, the lights beat down like you have entered the world of the earth. The whole process takes about two hours, wet and slippery inside the cave, wear non-slip shoes. The walls of the ancient town of Qingyan are worth climbing. Go up at dusk and watch the green tile roofs of the whole town. 🍜The Wang Wanma stewed pork leg in the town is soft and deboned. You can order it with chili powder and eat it with a bowl of rice cake. You can eat it for 30 dollars per person. Gaopo Cloud Peak Grassland is suitable for visiting when the weather is good. The blue sky and white clouds of cattle can produce beautiful photos casually. But once it rains it turns into mud, don't risk it. 📍 Flower Creek Park is more suitable for locals to walk, visitors can skip, time left for the first three. ⚠️ Tickets are free after 5pm for Qingyan Ancient Town. If you just want to walk and eat, you can go again at dusk. 5️⃣ Lanzhou City | Gansu Lanzhou is not a transit station, it is a place worth flying for two days. Baitashan Park is less crowded in the morning. When you climb to the top, you can see the Yellow River passing through the city. The bend looks like a yellow ribbon. The whole journey has about 300 steps, and the old man can reach it by climbing slowly for 40 minutes. The provincial museum goes in the afternoon, free but reservations must be made in advance on WeChat. The highlight is the horse riding the flying swallow copper galloping horse, the actual thing is much more impressive than the photo. 🍜 The milk egg mash at Zhengning Road Night Market, the one with the longest queue is Lao Ma. The egg flakes are tender, the mash is slightly sour, and costs 8 dollars a cup. There are also beef noodles, do not go to the tourist shop, casually enter a local queue, two small plus spicy, meat and egg double fly, fifteen dollars to eat full. ⏰ Walk after the Zhongshan Bridge lights up at night, the sound of the Yellow River water with the lights, more beautiful than during the day. ⚠️ The White Tower Mountain Cable Car stops operating at 6pm. If you want to take the cable car to watch the sunset, go up the mountain in advance. 6️⃣ Jincheng City | Shanxi The Imperial City Prime Minister’s Mansion, I’d call it the most underrated compound in the north. This place is the former residence of Chen Tingjing. It is much larger than the Qiao family compound, but has much fewer tourists. You can basically enjoy it alone during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The plaque was written by Kangxi himself. Further deeper, the Heshan Building must be climbed to the top, the building is seven stories high, the stairs are sloping, but the top overlooks the entire Xiangfu, the cyan tile tops are layered, ten times more shocking than looking on the flat ground. ⏰ There will be a free guided tour after 2pm, followed by a blind steerer, you can hear many detailed stories. 🍜 Yangcheng grilled liver is sold at the entrance of the scenic spot, cut into thin slices and fried, ordered with vinegar to eat, local characteristics, do not miss. ⚠️ There are some side halls in the prime minister's house that require extra charges. There is nothing to see, so don't waste that money. The whole walk down takes about three hours, suitable for taking the elderly slowly, there are many flat roads in the yard, do not have to climb too many stairs. 7️⃣ Jinzhou City | Liaoning The name of Medical Witch Mountain is difficult to pronounce, but the scenery will definitely not disappoint you. This mountain is excellent in Liaoxi, strange pines and rocks, steep mountain but well-made trails, the whole journey down about three hours. 📍 It is recommended to take the northern line into the mountain, first to Wanghai Temple, then climb the main peak. The wind is strong at the top of the mountain. Remember to bring a windproof jacket when you go in autumn. There are several ancient pines on the mountain, all of which are over a few hundred years old. They have a unique posture and are suitable for taking pictures. ⏰ Best to arrive before 9am, few people, the mist in the mountains has not dissipated, like walking in an ink painting. 🍜 After going down the mountain, go to North Town to eat Gu Gang Zi smoked chicken. The old-fashioned restaurant is at a crossroads. The chicken skin is smoked to golden brown and the meat is firm. You can tear it and eat it directly, with a bottle of local beer. ⚠️ The "hiking stick" sold at the entrance of the scenic spot is actually a wooden stick, five dollars a stick, there is no need to buy, the mountain stairs are made very well. 8️⃣ Taizhou City | Jiangsu Qinhu Wetland Park, the Mid-Autumn Festival is just in time to catch up with the ripeness of water chestnuts. Before entering, we first sat on the rocking boat. The boatwoman sang a minor tune while supporting the boat. From time to time, white herons were frightened from the reeds on both sides of the bank. There is a small island in the center of the lake, full of water chestnuts, this season can be picked by your own hands, the boat lady will teach you to recognize, picked directly peeled and eaten, sweet and crisp tender. 📍 The Wetland Science Museum is worth taking your children to, with various bird specimens and aquatic life displays that your children will be very excited about. 🍜 Eat the eight delicacies of Qinhu at a scenic restaurant for lunch. The most recommended is the crab roe soup bun. The skin is so thin that you can see the soup inside, and it's so fresh to take a bite. ⏰ Visitors gradually leave after 3pm, this time is the most comfortable to walk on the canyon, the setting sun dyes the water golden, the wind carries the fragrance of water plants. ⚠️ The rocking boat is closed at 5:30 pm. Don't play too late and miss the last boat. It takes half an hour to walk back. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Mount Kunming and Imperial City Prime Minister the most. One is the natural scenery ceiling, and the other is the underrated cultural treasure. There are few people during Mid-Autumn Festival, and the weather is nice. Take your family and choose one to go. Talk about where you most want to go in the comments section? During the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, these 8️⃣ places are less crowded and beautiful, so bring your family and set off 1️⃣ Shijiazhuang City | Hebei First the conclusion: if you have two days, don't be greedy, leaving time for Xibaipo and Zhaozhou Bridge is enough. 📍 Xipapo is recommended to go early, open at 8:30, less people and quiet, you can slowly see the exhibition. The parking lot is not far from the entrance, so you don’t have to walk too long with the elderly and children. ⏰ Ends before noon, drive directly to Zhaozhou Bridge, the drive is about an hour. The bridge is not big, but standing under the bridge and looking at the arched structure, you can still feel the power of the thousand-year-old project. 🍜 Lunch is solved in Zhao County, find a small shop selling donkey meat grilled, immediately baked cake sandwiched with hot donkey meat, with a bowl of millet porridge, the average of twenty dollars per person. ⚠️ West Park is closed every Monday, don't go there in vain. Tickets for Zhaozhou Bridge are $40. If you book online in advance, you can get $5 cheaper. Remember to buy one day in advance. 2️⃣ Jiujiang City|Jiangxi Mount Kunming and Mount Kunming West Sea, I advise you not to make a choice, go directly to both, but in the right order. On the first day, we will go up to Mount Kunming. Take the ropeway up and down to save some energy. The temperature in the mountains is seven or eight degrees lower than in the city. It's just right for Mid-Autumn Festival. Short sleeves and a thin jacket are enough. 📍Flower Trail and Ruqin Lake are a must-see, the lake is shrouded in mist, the most beautiful around nine o'clock in the morning. Don't rush to those celebrity photo spots. You can't take pictures when people are crowded. The next day we transferred to the western sea of ​​Yuen Long, driving for an hour and a half. It is more suitable for slow living, rent a small boat and float on the lake, the water is clear to the bottom. 🚄 There is a direct bus from Jiujiang Station to Yushan Cableway, every twenty minutes, and a taxi is only $30. ⚠️ The "speedboat package" that attracts customers at the western sea pier in Yunnan, the price is 180, in fact, the on-site bargain can be 120, do not be taken advantage of. 3️⃣ Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture|Hunan The ancient city of Phoenix is ​​10 times more beautiful at night than during the day, but never book accommodation on the riverside bar street, which is noisy until 2am. I suggest you live outside the ancient city, 10 minutes walk into the ancient city, the room is half cheaper. Entering the ancient city after 5pm, the light is just right. The red lanterns on both sides of the Yujiang River are lit and reflected in the water. That screen is worth all the tickets. The Dehang Grand Canyon and the Aozhai Bridge are stuck together and can go together. The hike in the canyon is not long, two hours round trip, and is suitable for a walk and stop for parents. The village of Shibadong is more suitable for those interested in folklore. The village has a guide to see the old houses and talk about the life of the Miao family, which takes about forty minutes. 🍜 For dinner, find a place that makes blood dumplings in the ancient city. The duck meat is stewed until it is soft, and the glutinous rice dumplings absorb the soup. It is served with a bowl of pickled carrots to relieve the thirst. ⚠️ Phoenix Ancient City does not charge big tickets, but several small attractions inside have to buy tickets separately, do not listen to the roadside lady saying "take you through the free ticket passage", those are to deceive you to buy her house silver jewelry. 4️⃣ Guiyang City | Guizhou These places around Guiyang, let me help you prioritize: Tianhetan > Qingyan Ancient Town > Huaxi Park, Gaopo Yunding Grassland to see the weather. The most worth visiting Tianhetan is the water cave and the drought cave. Take a boat into the cave, the lights beat down like you have entered the world of the earth. The whole process takes about two hours, wet and slippery inside the cave, wear non-slip shoes. The walls of the ancient town of Qingyan are worth climbing. Go up at dusk and watch the green tile roofs of the whole town. 🍜The Wang Wanma stewed pork leg in the town is soft and deboned. You can order it with chili powder and eat it with a bowl of rice cake. You can eat it for 30 dollars per person. Gaopo Cloud Peak Grassland is suitable for visiting when the weather is good. The blue sky and white clouds of cattle can produce beautiful photos casually. But once it rains it turns into mud, don't risk it. 📍 Flower Creek Park is more suitable for locals to walk, visitors can skip, time left for the first three. ⚠️ Tickets are free after 5pm for Qingyan Ancient Town. If you just want to walk and eat, you can go again at dusk. 5️⃣ Lanzhou City | Gansu Lanzhou is not a transit station, it is a place worth flying for two days. Baitashan Park is less crowded in the morning. When you climb to the top, you can see the Yellow River passing through the city. The bend looks like a yellow ribbon. The whole journey has about 300 steps, and the old man can reach it by climbing slowly for 40 minutes. The provincial museum goes in the afternoon, free but reservations must be made in advance on WeChat. The highlight is the horse riding the flying swallow copper galloping horse, the actual thing is much more impressive than the photo. 🍜 The milk egg mash at Zhengning Road Night Market, the one with the longest queue is Lao Ma. The egg flakes are tender, the mash is slightly sour, and costs 8 dollars a cup. There are also beef noodles, do not go to the tourist shop, casually enter a local queue, two small plus spicy, meat and egg double fly, fifteen dollars to eat full. ⏰ Walk after the Zhongshan Bridge lights up at night, the sound of the Yellow River water with the lights, more beautiful than during the day. ⚠️ The White Tower Mountain Cable Car stops operating at 6pm. If you want to take the cable car to watch the sunset, go up the mountain in advance. 6️⃣ Jincheng City | Shanxi The Imperial City Prime Minister’s Mansion, I’d call it the most underrated compound in the north. This place is the former residence of Chen Tingjing. It is much larger than the Qiao family compound, but has much fewer tourists. You can basically enjoy it alone during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The plaque was written by Kangxi himself. Further deeper, the Heshan Building must be climbed to the top, the building is seven stories high, the stairs are sloping, but the top overlooks the entire Xiangfu, the cyan tile tops are layered, ten times more shocking than looking on the flat ground. ⏰ There will be a free guided tour after 2pm, followed by a blind steerer, you can hear many detailed stories. 🍜 Yangcheng grilled liver is sold at the entrance of the scenic spot, cut into thin slices and fried, ordered with vinegar to eat, local characteristics, do not miss. ⚠️ There are some side halls in the prime minister's house that require extra charges. There is nothing to see, so don't waste that money. The whole walk down takes about three hours, suitable for taking the elderly slowly, there are many flat roads in the yard, do not have to climb too many stairs. 7️⃣ Jinzhou City | Liaoning The name of Medical Witch Mountain is difficult to pronounce, but the scenery will definitely not disappoint you. This mountain is excellent in Liaoxi, strange pines and rocks, steep mountain but well-made trails, the whole journey down about three hours. 📍 It is recommended to take the northern line into the mountain, first to Wanghai Temple, then climb the main peak. The wind is strong at the top of the mountain. Remember to bring a windproof jacket when you go in autumn. There are several ancient pines on the mountain, all of which are over a few hundred years old. They have a unique posture and are suitable for taking pictures. ⏰ Best to arrive before 9am, few people, the mist in the mountains has not dissipated, like walking in an ink painting. 🍜 After going down the mountain, go to North Town to eat Gu Gang Zi smoked chicken. The old-fashioned restaurant is at a crossroads. The chicken skin is smoked to golden brown and the meat is firm. You can tear it and eat it directly, with a bottle of local beer. ⚠️ The "hiking stick" sold at the entrance of the scenic spot is actually a wooden stick, five dollars a stick, there is no need to buy, the mountain stairs are made very well. 8️⃣ Taizhou City | Jiangsu Qinhu Wetland Park, the Mid-Autumn Festival is just in time to catch up with the ripeness of water chestnuts. Before entering, we first sat on the rocking boat. The boatwoman sang a minor tune while supporting the boat. From time to time, white herons were frightened from the reeds on both sides of the bank. There is a small island in the center of the lake, full of water chestnuts, this season can be picked by your own hands, the boat lady will teach you to recognize, picked directly peeled and eaten, sweet and crisp tender. 📍 The Wetland Science Museum is worth taking your children to, with various bird specimens and aquatic life displays that your children will be very excited about. 🍜 Eat the eight delicacies of Qinhu at a scenic restaurant for lunch. The most recommended is the crab roe soup bun. The skin is so thin that you can see the soup inside, and it's so fresh to take a bite. ⏰ Visitors gradually leave after 3pm, this time is the most comfortable to walk on the canyon, the setting sun dyes the water golden, the wind carries the fragrance of water plants. ⚠️ The rocking boat is closed at 5:30 pm. Don't play too late and miss the last boat. It takes half an hour to walk back. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Mount Kunming and Imperial City Prime Minister the most. One is the natural scenery ceiling, and the other is the underrated cultural treasure. There are few people during Mid-Autumn Festival, and the weather is nice. Take your family and choose one to go. Talk about where you would like to go in the comments section?

8 relaxing places to travel with your parents, the last one is a huge surprise 01 Sanming | Fujian When bringing your parents to Sanming, head straight to Dajin Lake for your first stop. Don't rush to buy the full-route boat ticket. First, take the scenic shuttle bus to Ganlu Temple Pier. This section is flat and easy for seniors to walk. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM. The mist on the lake hasn't cleared yet, making for great photos, and it's less crowded. The boat tour takes about 2 hours. There are seats in the cabin, so you don't have to stand the whole time. After getting off the boat, head to Taining Ancient City. The stone paths are smooth and wheelchair-friendly. There is a Shangshu Mansion in the ancient city. It's worth a stroll, and admission is affordable, with half-price tickets for seniors. For lunch, try the Youjiang Tofu Workshop at the entrance of the ancient city. They offer both savory and sweet tofu pudding for CNY 5 a bowl—it's soft, tender, and easy to eat. ⚠️ Tour groups crowd the area after 2:00 PM, so I recommend leaving before 1:00 PM and heading back to the hotel for your parents to take a nap. Go for a walk by the river in the evening when it's cool and not sunny. 02 Jiangmen | Guangdong The most worthwhile place to take your parents in Jiangmen is the Kaiping Diaolou, but don't try to see too much—just visiting Zili Village is enough. 📍 Enter the scenic area and you'll find the shuttle station on your right. It costs CNY 10 per person to ride directly to the foot of Mingshi Tower, saving you from the uphill walk. You can go up in Mingshi Tower, but the stairs are a bit narrow. If your parents have mobility issues, they can just look around downstairs. There are benches in the courtyard where they can sit and wait comfortably. 🍜 For lunch, eat at the Diaolou Farmhouse Restaurant outside the scenic area. Their signature eel rice is enough for three people, costing about CNY 40 per person. ⚠️ The light is too strong in the afternoon, causing backlighting when photographing the Diaolou. I recommend taking photos before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. There is a free shuttle bus at the exit to take you back to the parking lot. Don't walk back; it looks close, but it takes 20 minutes. If you're bringing your parents, keep the entire trip within 3 hours to avoid fatigue. 03 Shangluo | Shaanxi Shangluo is a place for a slow pace, not for rushing between attractions. Choose either Jinsi Canyon or Tianshu Canyon. I recommend Jinsi Canyon because the trails are well-maintained, flat, and have almost no stairs. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8:00 AM. It's cool in the canyon, and a full loop takes about 2 hours. Come out at noon and eat at a farmhouse restaurant near the entrance. A bowl of handmade pulled noodles costs CNY 12 and the portion is generous. In the afternoon, head to Manchuanguan Ancient Town. There is no admission fee, and the streets are paved with bluestone, which is very smooth and easy for seniors to walk on. You can rest at the Old Teahouse in town. Tea is CNY 5 a cup, and you can sit there all afternoon. ⚠️ Baita Temple is in a remote location and navigation is often inaccurate. I suggest asking locals directly or just skipping it to avoid detours. One day is enough for the whole Shangluo trip. Don't overschedule so your parents can rest early in the evening. 04 Haixi, Qinghai The biggest concern when bringing parents to Haixi is altitude sickness, so the itinerary must be relaxed. Between Qarhan Salt Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, I recommend only visiting Chaka, as the shuttle bus ride at Qarhan is very long and can easily make seniors dizzy. There are shuttle buses at the entrance of Chaka Salt Lake for CNY 50 per person that take you directly to the center of the lake, saving a lot of energy. 📍 There is a boardwalk next to the small train tracks in the center of the lake, so you can walk on it without getting your shoes wet. Your parents can walk safely. ⚠️ The UV rays on the plateau are extremely strong, so hats and sunglasses are a must. It gets windy after 2:00 PM, which can easily cause headaches. Don't buy a package ticket for Emerald Lake; just visiting the main lake area is enough. The other small lakes require a lot of walking and aren't worth it. Don't take your parents to Kunlun Mountain; the altitude is too high and it's easy to get oxygen-deprived. Choose accommodation in Delingha city, where the altitude is lower, so you'll sleep better at night. 🍜 For dinner, have yak meat hot pot. The "Gaoyuanhong" restaurant in the city is good, costing about CNY 60 per person—the meat is tender and the soup is delicious. 05 Baoding | Hebei For these attractions in Baoding, I suggest picking only two. The Western Qing Tombs and Yesanpo have completely different styles. If you're bringing your parents, choose the Western Qing Tombs because the paths are flat, it's less crowded, and there are shuttle buses. ⏰ Go to Tailing in the morning. The shuttle bus takes you directly to the entrance, and a walk around inside takes only 40 minutes. Eat the "Manchu Eight Great Bowls" outside the scenic area for lunch. It's affordable at about CNY 30 per person. Go to Baishi Mountain in the afternoon, but don't enter the scenic area—climbing that mountain is too tiring. 📍 There is an observation deck at the "Baishi Mountain Geopark Entrance" at the foot of the mountain. You can see the mountain scenery without buying a ticket, take some photos, and then leave. ⚠️ Don't go to Baiyangdian this season; there are many mosquitoes in the reed marshes, and the boats are shaky, which can easily make seniors dizzy. One day is enough for the whole Baoding trip. Go back to the city in the evening to eat donkey meat burgers—they cost CNY 3 each, and your parents will definitely like them. 06 Baicheng | Jilin Baicheng is a place to bring your parents if you're looking for peace and quiet. The Da'an Nenjiang Bay Tourist Area has a CNY 20 admission fee, and the shuttle bus is free, taking you directly to the riverside. The riverside boardwalk is very well-maintained, completely flat, and wheelchair-accessible. ⏰ Arrive at 3:00 PM when the light is soft and the river is sparkling—it's great for photos. 🍜 The "Nenjiang Fish Restaurant" at the entrance is good. The braised catfish is a specialty, costing CNY 48 per fish. The meat is tender and has few bones, making it suitable for seniors. ⚠️ There are no kiosks in the scenic area, so bring enough water; don't count on buying it inside. An hour and a half is enough to tour the whole area. If you get tired, sit on the benches by the river—the breeze is cool and very comfortable. Stay in Baicheng city at night; hotels are cheap, around CNY 150 per night, and clean. 07 Jincheng | Shanxi For the Imperial City Prime Minister's Mansion, you need to prepare your parents mentally before coming—it's crowded, but worth seeing. 📍 Enter the scenic area and you'll find shuttle buses on your left that take you to the inner city gate, saving you from the uphill walk. You can climb the inner city walls, but the steps are a bit steep. Your parents should assess their own abilities; it's fine if they don't go up—just looking around the courtyards is great. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8:30 AM to beat the first wave of crowds, making the visit much more comfortable. A full tour of the mansion takes about 2 hours, and there are several rest pavilions along the way where you can sit if you get tired. 🍜 For lunch, eat at the "Xiangfu Family Banquet" outside the scenic area. The "88 Banquet" is a specialty, but don't order the whole set—just order a few dishes individually, costing about CNY 40 per person. ⚠️ Traffic at the entrance is severe in the afternoon, so I suggest leaving before 1:00 PM, otherwise you could waste an hour just sitting in traffic. 08 Fuyang | Anhui The grand finale is a real surprise. Balihe Scenic Area has a CNY 50 admission fee, free shuttle buses, and flat paths throughout—it's simply the gold standard for traveling with parents. ⏰ Enter the park at 4:00 PM when the sunset is just right, the lake is shimmering, and you don't need filters for photos. There are several small islands in the scenic area, but don't try to see too much—just visiting the main island is enough. 📍 Your parents will be particularly interested in the "World Scenery" miniature landscape on the main island; walking around it feels like traveling the world. 🍜 You must try the "Balihe Fish Head" at the entrance. A big pot of the soup is incredibly delicious, costing about CNY 50 per person. The fish is tender and easy for seniors to eat. ⚠️ The scenic area clears out at 6:00 PM. Don't leave too late as it's hard to get a taxi at the entrance; I suggest booking a car in advance. The whole trip can be easily completed in 2 hours without tiring your parents, and they'll be talking about coming back next time.

After autumn begins, the breeze slowly carries a chill. In previous years, rushing to popular scenic spots meant either fighting crowds or making parents' feet ache. I've specially selected 4 small cities with a slow pace, fewer tourists, and comfortable dining and accommodation. Less travel time, plenty of rest, and a relaxing trip for the whole family. 🏯Jincheng A city of ancient castles hidden in the Taihang Mountains. After autumn begins, the sky is high and clear, and the temperature stays steady between 12–26°C, making it refreshing to walk around. Highlights: Xiangyu Ancient Castle is an authentic Ming Dynasty honeycomb-style fortress. The city walls hide secret soldier tunnels, and it hasn't been overly commercialized. There are plenty of historical anecdotes that parents will love to hear. Huangcheng Xiangfu is the former residence of Chen Tingjing, a famous official of the Qing Dynasty. The etiquette and layout are well-ordered, and the ancient buildings are exceptionally well-preserved. It is much less crowded than the Qiao Family Compound or the Wang Family Compound. Qinglian Temple is hidden in the mountains and preserves Tang Dynasty colored sculptures. The thousand-year-old ginkgo tree in the courtyard slowly turns yellow after autumn begins, and it is so quiet you can hear the wind blowing through the leaves. Itinerary: A 3-day, 2-night trip is recommended. Plan only 1 or 2 attractions per day, and be sure to return to the hotel for a 1-hour nap at noon. Day 1: Arrive at Jincheng East Station, visit Xiangyu Ancient Castle directly, then return to the city center to stay. Day 2: Catch the 9:00 AM welcoming folk performance, stroll slowly for 3 hours, then visit Guoyu Ancient City on the way back. If you don't want to move, just go back to the city center to rest. Day 3: Go to Qinglian Temple in the morning to see the ancient buildings and ginkgo trees, then return home after lunch. Food recommendations: Clear broth buckwheat noodles are fresh and fragrant. Stir-fried jelly noodles are chewy and savory. Gaoping Ten Bowls are mostly steamed dishes, which are soft and not greasy, making them suitable for older people's appetites. Travel tips: There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so be sure to bring a light jacket. The ancient castle has many stone-paved roads, so wear soft-soled, non-slip shoes. The distance between attractions is far, so it is better to charter a car or drive yourself to save energy on public transport. 🍜Taizhou An underrated water city in Jiangsu. After the summer heat fades, the breeze carries the scent of sweet osmanthus. It is less crowded than Yangzhou, and the morning tea is just as good. Highlights: Take a sculling boat through the reed marshes at Qinhu Wetland. The boatwoman will hum local tunes. You don't have to walk much, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of water plants. Qintong Ancient Town is a genuine thousand-year-old town. Local people live in the blue-brick alleys, and the food sold is all home-style. Qiaoyuan Garden is the most exquisite Ming Dynasty garden in northern Jiangsu. It is not large, so walking around it isn't tiring, and the pavilions and rockeries are full of charm. Take a painted boat on the Fengcheng River at night to enjoy the evening breeze. The lights on both banks shimmer on the water, which is very relaxing. Itinerary: 3 days and 2 nights is enough for a relaxed pace. Day 1: After arriving in Taizhou, find an old restaurant for morning tea, visit Qiaoyuan Garden in the afternoon, take a painted boat on the Fengcheng River in the evening, and stay in the city center. Day 2: Spend the whole day at Qinhu Wetland, have farm-style food in Qintong Ancient Town at noon, stroll slowly through the ancient town in the afternoon, and return to the city center in the evening. Day 3: Have another morning tea, buy some local specialties, and head home at a leisurely pace. Food recommendations: Crab roe soup dumplings, shredded dried tofu, and clover buns are standard for morning tea; they are soft and easy to eat. Qinhu mitten crabs are just getting plump in early autumn, with rich roe and fresh meat. Huangqiao sesame cakes are savory and crispy. Travel tips: It is cool by the water in the morning and evening, so bring a light cardigan. Go to popular morning tea restaurants before 8:00 AM to avoid long lines. When taking a boat in the wetland, choose one with a canopy to block the wind and sun. 🍵Meizhou The world capital of Hakka. After autumn begins, the muggy heat of Guangdong dissipates for the most part. The whole city is filled with the scent of tea and plants, and the pace of life is incredibly slow. Highlights: Yannanfei Tea Garden is covered with neat tea trees. During the autumn tea harvest season, the air is full of tea fragrance. The trails are gentle slopes that won't strain your knees, and you can find a tea seat to rest whenever you get tired. Qiaoxi Ancient Village is a Hakka village hidden in the mountain hollows. The "wei long wu" (enclosed houses) are built along the mountain, and the stream winds around the village, full of life. Songkou Ancient Town was the first stop for people heading to Southeast Asia back in the day. The arcade streets retain their old appearance. There are no trendy shops, just local elderly people sitting at their doors drinking tea and chatting. Itinerary: 3 days and 2 nights, no need to rush. Day 1: Arrive at Meizhou West Station, stay in the city center, visit the Hakka Museum in the afternoon, and explore the old street for snacks in the evening. Day 2: Visit Yannanfei Tea Garden in the morning, go to Qiaoxi Ancient Village on the way in the afternoon, and return to the city center in the evening. Day 3: Go to Songkou Ancient Town in the morning to stroll through the arcades and see the old wharf, then return home after lunch. Food recommendations: Marinated noodles with Sanji-di soup are fresh and light. Salt-baked chicken has tender skin and firm meat, and stuffed tofu is soft and flavorful. Grass jelly is cool and refreshing, which helps relieve greasiness and autumn dryness. It is low in sugar and not cloying. Travel tips: Most attractions are in the suburbs, so it is recommended to charter a car or drive yourself to reduce the hassle of transferring. It is still a bit sunny at noon, so bring a sun hat and umbrella. Hakka cuisine is generally on the salty side, so you can tell the owner to use less salt when ordering. ♨️Baoshan A forgotten, livable small city in Yunnan. After the start of autumn, the rainy season ends, the sky is bright blue, and natural hot springs are everywhere, making it perfect for a lazy trip. Highlights: Heshun Ancient Town is much quieter than Dali or Lijiang. Local families live in the alleys. You can sit down and rest by the Wild Duck Lake at any time. There is also a century-old rural library, and the atmosphere is very quiet. Rehai Scenic Area is full of natural boiling springs steaming with heat. Watch the "Big Rolling Pot" boiling spring churn, and after you finish touring, soak in the natural hot springs to wash away all your fatigue. Banqiao Ancient Town is right on the edge of the city. Qinglong Street retains the stone-paved roads from a hundred years ago, and everything sold is local handmade goods and snacks. The prices are surprisingly low. From mid-to-late September onwards, the leaves in the suburban Ginkgo Village slowly turn yellow. It is less crowded and beautiful, making it very comfortable to walk around. Itinerary: A 4-day, 3-night trip is recommended to leave enough time to soak in the hot springs and relax. Day 1: Arrive at Baoshan Airport, stay in the city center, and visit Banqiao Ancient Town for snacks in the afternoon. Day 2: Charter a car to Tengchong, visit the Rehai Scenic Area in the morning, soak in the hot springs in the afternoon, and stay at a hot spring hotel to get a good rest. Day 3: Spend the whole day in Heshun Ancient Town, walk slowly around Wild Duck Lake, and find a teahouse to sit for the afternoon if you get tired. Day 4: Sleep in, have a bowl of chickpea congee, and then head home at a leisurely pace. If you catch the ginkgo season, you can stop by Ginkgo Village on the way. Food recommendations: Dajiujia (stir-fried rice cakes) is soft and flavorful. Earthenware pot stew is cooked until the vegetables are soft and the soup is fresh, which is warm and suitable for autumn. Chickpea congee with fried dough sticks is fragrant and delicate. Paoluda is rich in coconut flavor and cool and refreshing. Travel tips: The ultraviolet rays are strong, so apply sunscreen and wear a hat even in autumn. Soak in the hot spring for 15–20 minutes each time, and replenish warm water in time. The drive from the city to Tengchong takes 2 hours. Choose a regular chartered car and stop a few times on the way to rest. The stone-paved roads in the ancient town are slippery, so watch your step on rainy days. Traveling with parents never requires joining the crowds at trendy spots. Walking slowly, eating well, and resting enough. A relaxed family trip is the true meaning of travel.

Where should you go for a road trip? These 8 places are uncrowded and beautiful 01 Shaoguan, Guangdong Danxia Mountain isn't the kind of mountain you "take a look at and leave." ⏰ It's recommended to enter the mountain after 3:00 PM. The light hits the red rock walls at an angle, making them glow intensely red—much better than the harsh midday sun. Enter from the Yangyuan Stone scenic area entrance, climb the stairs of Ximei Village, and then head back to the viewing platform. The whole trip takes about 2 hours and isn't rushed. At the foot of the mountain, there are local farm restaurants; 🍜 braised duck with sour bamboo shoots is their signature dish, and one pot is enough for two people. ⚠️ Don't wait for the sunset at the summit; it's windy and the path down is dark. Start heading down before 5:30 PM. The next morning, you can stop by Changlao Peak on your way; to see the sea of clouds, you need to reach the top before 7:00 AM. Accommodation in Shaoguan city is cheap; you can stay in a clean chain hotel for just over CNY 200. It's about a 40-minute drive to the scenic area. 02 Qianxinan, Guizhou Maling River Canyon and Wanfenglin are close to each other, making them perfect for a one-day trip. Go to the canyon in the morning; 🌧️ the waterfalls are most spectacular when the water is high after rain. The boardwalks are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. The whole canyon walk takes about 3 hours. There's a shuttle bus at the exit to take you back to the parking lot for CNY 10—don't skip it. For lunch, just find any sour soup fish restaurant outside the scenic area; the broth is flavorful, the fish is freshly killed, and it costs about CNY 50 per person. In the afternoon, drive 20 minutes to Wanfenglin. 📍 Navigate to the Bagua Field viewing platform, park, and walk around the ridges. It's most photogenic during the rapeseed flower season (March) or when the rice turns yellow (late September). ⚠️ The sightseeing train in the Wanfenglin scenic area isn't great value; walking yourself is more comfortable. Stay in Xianahui Village at night; homestays with courtyards are only around CNY 200, and you can see the stars when you look up at night. 03 Yichun, Heilongjiang Tangwang River Forest Park is the kind of place that gets "quieter the further you walk." Enter the park at 8:00 AM; the mist hasn't cleared in the forest yet, the ground is soft under your feet on the pine needles, and the air is as cool as mint. The park is divided into east and west routes. ⏰ If your energy is limited, just take the west route; the stone forest scenery is concentrated there and can be seen in 2 hours. The east route is suitable for hiking enthusiasts; it takes 4 hours, and there are no supply points in between, so bring your own water. 🍜 There are stalls selling dried blueberries and pine nuts at the entrance of the scenic area; they are more expensive than in the city, so don't rush to buy them. Buy them when you return to Yichun city; they are half the price. ⚠️ Bring a jacket even in summer; it's cool in the forest, and you'll get cold if you walk for a long time in short sleeves. If you're driving, it's an hour and a half from the city. The road conditions are good, but there are few gas stations, so fill up before you leave. 04 Sanming, Fujian You need to take a boat to enjoy Dajin Lake. The pier is on the edge of Taining County, and boat services stop at 3:00 PM. ⚠️ Don't sleep in; catch an early boat. The whole trip takes about 3 hours and stops at two islands. The cliff boardwalk at Ganlu Temple is worth climbing, but the steps are steep, so if you have bad knees, just wait on the boat. After getting off the boat, drive 15 minutes to Taining Ancient Town. The ancient town isn't big, the stone roads are clean, and it's less crowded after 6:00 PM when the lanterns light up, creating a nice atmosphere. 🍜 Biyu rolls and Nuangu buns in the ancient town are local snacks; they cost CNY 5 per serving, just try them. 📍 The Shangshu Di architectural complex is worth entering. The admission ticket isn't expensive, but there's no need to rent an audio guide; it's more interesting to look at the plaques and couplets yourself. Stay in Taining County at night; hotels are cheap, around CNY 150. 05 Xianning, Hubei The Ancient Battlefield of Red Cliffs is one of those places you "think about if you don't come, but it's just okay once you're here," but it's worth a stop if you're driving by. The scenic area is well-maintained with many imitation ancient buildings. ⏰ It's recommended to visit in the morning; there are many tour groups in the afternoon, and it gets crowded. The core highlights are the cliff carvings and the statue of Zhou Yu; you can finish taking photos and checking in in half an hour. ⚠️ The "Battle of Red Cliffs" show in the scenic area requires an extra fee; personally, I don't think it's worth it. It's better to save the money and eat fish cake at the entrance. 🍜 There is a "Chibi Fish Restaurant" outside the scenic area where fish cakes and fish balls are made fresh. It costs about CNY 40 per person, half the price of inside the scenic area. 📍 After seeing the ancient battlefield, drive for over 10 minutes to the Lushui Lake Dam. In the evening, you can enjoy the breeze and watch the sunset on the dam. It's a place where locals take walks, and there's no admission fee. There are many accommodation options in Xianning city, ranging from CNY 120 to CNY 180. 06 Haikou, Guangdong Haikou isn't suitable for rushing through attractions; it's better for a slow stroll through the Qilou Old Street. Arrive at Qilou Old Street before 9:00 AM; it's less crowded, and the red brick walls of the old buildings against the blue sky look great in photos. 📸 You can take good pictures easily. 📍 The spicy soup rice at the intersection of Shuixiangkou Street is a local breakfast; it's sour, spicy, and appetizing. Pair it with a fried dough stick, and CNY 15 will fill you up. Go to the Temple of the Five Lords at noon. ⏰ The afternoon light shines through the ancient trees onto the eaves of the temple, creating beautiful light and shadows. The Temple of the Five Lords isn't big; you can finish visiting in an hour. Go to the Volcano Park later in the afternoon; it takes about 20 minutes to climb up. The plants at the bottom of the crater are lush and green, and the wind blowing up from the hole is cool. ⚠️ The stalls in the park selling volcanic eggs have yolks that are indeed reddish, but the price is twice that of the supermarket, so just try one. Stay on Haidian Island at night; it's a 15-minute taxi ride from Qilou Old Street, and there are many quiet homestays that are cheaper than in the city center. 07 Jincheng, Shanxi The Prime Minister's Mansion (Huangcheng Xiangfu) is an "unexpected surprise." First, the bad: the admission ticket isn't cheap, and you have to walk through a commercial street from the parking lot to the entrance of the scenic area, which is full of souvenir shops. Don't rush to buy anything; the further in you go, the cheaper it gets. The good part is that the architectural complex is really well-preserved. ⏰ It's recommended to enter in the afternoon; tour groups finish their visits in the morning, so it's quiet in the afternoon. Climb from Heshan Tower to the top of the city wall and overlook the entire area of gray-tiled roofs. When the wind blows, you can imagine the Chen family scholars walking in the courtyard back then. 🍜 There is a "Xiangfu Private Kitchen" outside the scenic area; the Yangcheng roasted liver is their signature dish—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—served with a bowl of corn porridge. It costs about CNY 50 per person. ⚠️ The steps on the city wall are narrow and steep, so wear sneakers, not flip-flops. Stay in Jincheng city at night; it's a half-hour drive away. Hotels start at CNY 150, and breakfast includes millet porridge, which is warming. 08 Weinan, Shaanxi Mount Hua isn't for "strolling"; it's for "conquering." If you don't usually hike, don't push yourself to do the whole thing. ⏰ It's recommended to take the West Peak cable car up and the North Peak cable car down. This route is the least strenuous and allows you to connect the West Peak, South Peak, and Middle Peak. The whole trip takes 4–5 hours. The West Peak cable car ticket isn't cheap, but it's worth it; the drop is large, and there are cliffs under your feet. If you're afraid of heights, close your eyes. 📍 The opening time of the Plank Road in the Sky depends on the weather; ⚠️ it closes if it's windy, so don't make the trip for nothing. The temperature in the mountains is 7–8 degrees lower than at the foot of the mountain, so bring a jacket even in summer. 🍜 Food on the mountain is expensive; a cup of instant noodles is CNY 20. It's more practical to carry some bread and a thermos of hot water yourself. After descending the mountain, go to Huayin County at the foot of Mount Hua to eat a bowl of Dadao noodles. The noodles are as wide as a belt, the toppings are fragrant, and a big bowl costs CNY 15. Stay in the county at night; it's cheaper than staying near the tourist center, and it's a 10-minute drive away. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Shaoguan and Qianxinan the most—one for the mountain scenery and one for the water scenery. Both are worth the few hours of driving. Are you planning to go to any of them recently? Let's chat in the comments section, or if you have any hidden niche road trip spots, share them with me, and I'll go explore them next time.

On a limited budget but want to avoid the crowds? I've scouted these 8 places for you. They're uncrowded, beautiful, and offer a premium experience without breaking the bank. 1️⃣ Songyuan | Jilin Chagan Lake is so famous that nearby Jinchan Island is often overlooked. My advice: skip the main Chagan Lake scenic area and spend CNY 30 to visit Jinchan Island. There are few tourists on the island; take a walk through the reed marshes and you can hear the sound of water birds flapping their wings. After 5:00 PM, the lake surface is dyed gold by the sunset—that view alone is worth the price of admission. ⏰ The best time is after 3:00 PM when the light is soft and you won't be shooting against the sun. It's too sunny in the morning and too hot at noon, so don't make it hard on yourself. 🍜 The small stalls by the lake sell grilled fish for CNY 15. It's freshly grilled and crispy. Don't buy the ones that were pre-grilled and reheated; the meat will be tough. ⚠️ There are lots of mosquitoes on the island, so wear long pants and bring mosquito repellent—don't ask me how I know. Chagan Lake Scenic Area 2️⃣ Luoyang | Henan Luoyang's attractions are spread out, but public transport connections are decent. You must visit the Longmen Grottoes, but don't just walk the West Hill blindly. My route: explore the West Hill to see the giant Buddha, then cross the bridge to the East Hill. Looking back at the West Hill from the East Hill gives you the complete outline of the grottoes. Guanlin Temple and Wangcheng Park can be combined into half a day; Guanlin is quiet and uncrowded, perfect for a leisurely stroll. 🚄 A taxi between Longmen Grottoes and Guanlin costs about CNY 15. Don't take those unlicensed taxis soliciting passengers; just use a ride-hailing app. 📍 Laojun Mountain and Jiguan Cave are far from the city center, so I recommend setting aside a full day for each. It's cool inside Jiguan Cave, so bring a light jacket in the summer. The ticket plus cable car costs a little over CNY 200 per person—not cheap, but worth it. ⚠️ The peony season at Wangcheng Park is in April. If you go in August or September, it's just a regular park, so no need to make a special trip. Longmen Grottoes 3️⃣ Ma'anshan | Anhui This city doesn't have a high profile, but the Caishiji Cultural Eco-Tourism Area along the Yangtze River is truly underrated. Admission is CNY 80, with half-price for students. The scenic area is built along the river, and it takes about three hours to walk around. The most stunning part is the cliff facing the river; standing there watching the Yangtze flow east, the wind is strong enough to blow your hat off. ⏰ Get there when it opens at 8:00 AM. It's uncrowded, and there's a light mist over the river, making it look like an ink wash painting. Once the sun comes out at noon, the whole area becomes quite ordinary. 🍜 There are stalls selling Caishiji dried tofu at the entrance for CNY 10 a pack. It's salty, fragrant, and chewy—buy two packs to snack on the road. ⚠️ There are many steps in the scenic area, so be careful if you're pushing a stroller or traveling with elderly people. Ma'anshan, Anhui 4️⃣ Haidong | Qinghai Huzhu Tu Nationality Hometown Park and Youning Temple offer two completely different experiences. The Hometown Park is a man-made folk village with a CNY 60 admission fee, where you can watch Tu ethnic songs, dances, and the "Lunziqiu" (swing) performance—great for travelers with kids. Youning Temple is a pure Tibetan Buddhist monastery with no admission fee, but the mountain road is difficult to walk, and the altitude is high. 📍 Youning Temple is on a hillside; it takes twenty minutes to walk up from the bottom, and you'll be out of breath if you walk too fast. The temple is very quiet, and you can occasionally hear monks chanting—a vibe you won't find in the Hometown Park. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night in Haidong is large. In August, it's only in the low teens (Celsius) at night, so bring a jacket. 🚄 You can take a bus or carpool from Xining to Huzhu for about CNY 30 one way, and a round trip on the same day is no problem. Haidong, Qinghai 5️⃣ Jincheng | Shanxi Huangcheng Xiangfu has the most expensive ticket of these 8 places at CNY 120, but it is absolutely worth the price. The entire complex is extremely well-preserved, and the brick and wood carvings are jaw-droppingly exquisite. I recommend hiring a guide for CNY 60; otherwise, you'll just think, "Oh, it's all just old houses." ⏰ There's a performance after 2:00 PM—a Qing Dynasty welcoming ceremony that really sets the mood. 🍜 Outside the scenic area, they sell Yangcheng braised liver for CNY 15 a serving. It's deep-fried pork liver sausage slices served with garlic sauce—fragrant but not greasy. ⚠️ The parking lot is a bit of a distance from the entrance. The shuttle bus is CNY 10, but it's only a ten-minute walk, so decide for yourself. Jincheng, Shanxi 6️⃣ Zhuzhou | Hunan The Yandi Mausoleum is in Yanling County, a two-hour drive from downtown Zhuzhou. If you aren't particularly interested in humanities and history, you might just think it's a tomb. But if you like quiet places with a sense of ritual, this place won't disappoint. The mausoleum area is filled with ancient trees and incense smoke; there are few tourists, and walking inside will calm your heart. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM to catch the sacrificial ceremony; the scene is solemn. 📍 There's a lotus pond in the scenic area. The lotus flowers are in full bloom in August, making it great for photos. ⚠️ The last bus back to Zhuzhou leaves at 5:30 PM, so don't get too caught up and miss it. Zhuzhou, Hunan 7️⃣ Zibo | Shandong Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City is more down-to-earth than you'd imagine. There's no general admission fee, but you have to buy separate tickets for the small attractions inside, or a CNY 60 combo ticket. The ancient street is full of time-honored shops selling sesame seed cakes, fabrics, and handmade silver jewelry—it's full of life. 🍜 The freshly baked Zhoucun sesame seed cakes are the best—thin, crispy, and fragrant. They're CNY 5 a pack and sell out as soon as they come out of the oven. 📍 The Great Dye House is the filming location for "Han Matou" (Dry Wharf). The blue calico fabric is still being dried inside, which makes for great photos. ⚠️ Don't touch the "antiques" on the ancient street; 90% of them are from Yiwu. Just look, don't spend your money. Zibo, Shandong 8️⃣ Yinchuan | Ningxia Yinchuan's attractions are spread out, so I've arranged them by route for you. Mingcui Lake Wetland Park, Western Xia Imperial Tombs, Helan Mountain Rock Art, and Shuidonggou are not in the same direction, so I recommend splitting them into two days. Do the Western Xia Imperial Tombs and Helan Mountain Rock Art on the first day, and Shuidonggou and Mingcui Lake on the second. 🎫 The Western Xia Imperial Tombs ticket is CNY 75. The scenic area is huge, so I recommend taking the battery car, or you'll walk your legs off. The Helan Mountain Rock Art ticket is CNY 60; if you're lucky, you can see blue sheep jumping on the cliffs. 📍 The Shuidonggou ticket plus shuttle bus is CNY 120. It has the Great Wall, canyons, and hidden soldier caves, and you can even ride camels and boats—a rich experience. ⚠️ The UV rays in Yinchuan are strong. Physical sun protection is more effective than sunscreen, so hats and sunglasses are a must. 🍜 Go to the Huaiyuan Night Market in the evening. Spicy "lahuhu," grilled eggs, and beef pies—you can eat your fill for about CNY 30 per person. Yinchuan Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park Of these 8 places, my personal favorites are Ma'anshan and Haidong. The former has the grandeur of the river, and the latter has the tranquility of the monastery. When you're on a limited budget, it actually forces you to experience those free landscapes. Have you been anywhere great for a bargain lately? Let's chat in the comments.

September and October offer mild, pleasant weather, perfect for getting out and about. However, popular tourist spots are packed with crowds, and accommodations are outrageously expensive. I looked at a map and picked out a few places accessible by high-speed rail, with affordable entrance fees and stunning scenery. Less crowded, beautiful views, and a budget-friendly option. This post is straightforward, highlighting what's worth visiting and what can be skipped. 1️⃣ Jincheng | Shanxi Jincheng might not be immediately striking, but once you step into the Huangcheng Xiangfu (Imperial City Prime Minister's Residence), you'll understand the true "sincerity of the people of Shanxi." This residence is the ancestral home of Chen Tingjing, and the brick, wood, and stone carvings are so exquisite that you almost hesitate to touch them. I recommend entering after 3 PM, when tour groups have mostly left, and the light slants across the blue brick walls, creating exceptionally photogenic results. 🎫 Tickets are cheaper when booked in advance online than on-site. Bring your student ID for a 50% discount. 📍 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Jincheng East Station; sharing a ride is even more economical. ⚠️ Don't buy "handmade vinegar" at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive and mediocre. Just buy it at a supermarket in the city. After you finish exploring, the Guoyu Ancient City next door is free to visit; it's worth a quick look. 🍜 For dinner, go back to the city and have a bowl of beef ball noodles with some roasted liver. A satisfying meal for around 30 yuan per person. 2️⃣ Guangzhou|Guangdong Guangzhou is delicious, but don't be silly and head straight to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street on your first visit. My suggested route: In the morning, go to Chen Clan Academy. This place showcases the pinnacle of Lingnan architecture; the ceramic sculptures on the eaves are densely packed, enough to keep you looking at them for half an hour without repeating yourself. ⏰ Go in as soon as it opens at 9 am; fewer people and softer lighting. At noon, head to the old town of Liwan and randomly pop into a rice noodle roll shop. A serving costs six yuan, much better than the thirty-yuan ones in the mall. In the afternoon, don't go to Baiyun Mountain to see the "wind" (referring to the wind); take the subway to the base of the Guangzhou Tower and spend two yuan to ride the tram along the river—more worthwhile than climbing the tower. 🌃 Go to Huacheng Square in the evening for a great view of the Canton Tower across the river. The night view is free, and the photo spots are fantastic. If you're on a budget, don't force yourself to go to Chimelong. Tickets and food can easily cost 500 RMB per person, and you'll be exhausted afterward. Save your budget for food. ⚠️ Guangzhou's subway system is very extensive. Don't take taxis; if you get stuck in traffic, you'll only be able to watch electric scooter shows from your window. 3️⃣ Zhenjiang|Jiangsu Zhenjiang is a city I personally love. The pace of life is slow, prices are low, and the attractions are all clustered together. Jinshan, Jiaoshan, and Beigushan each have their own unique character. Jinshan has the legend of the White Snake, is very popular with worshippers, and has a beautiful pagoda. Jiaoshan requires a ferry ride; the island has a stele forest, and it's so quiet you can hear birds chirping. Beigushan is the smallest, but from the top you can see the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal—the sense of openness makes it worth the ticket price. ⏰ I recommend climbing Jinshan in the morning, having lunch at Xijindu (a noodle shop), and then climbing Beigushan in the afternoon. 🍜 For the best pot-lid noodles, look for "Lao Zhao Noodle Shop" and add a side of braised pork—the broth is absolutely divine. Maoshan in Jurong is far from the city center; if you're not a Taoist culture enthusiast, you can skip it and don't force it into your itinerary. 🚄 The high-speed train from Zhenjiang to Nanjing takes 20 minutes, so you can visit some places along the way, but don't try to do too much. Zhenjiang itself is worth staying overnight. 4️⃣ Pingdingshan|Henan Pingdingshan sounds like a tough city, but Yaoshan Mountain is surprisingly gentle. I recommend heading straight to the Yaoshan-Zhongyuan Buddha Scenic Area. This place is all about "bigness." The Buddha statue is 208 meters tall; standing at the foot of the mountain looking up will strain your neck but leave you in awe. Don't rush to take the cable car; climb a bit first. The mountain air, filled with the scent of pine resin, is a hundred times better than in the city. ⏰ Autumn is the perfect time to go; the leaves are already turning red, and the transition zone from the mountainside to the summit is the most beautiful. ⚠️ Cable car tickets and scenic area entrance tickets are sold separately. Those with average stamina can buy round-trip cable car tickets to save time sightseeing. After descending the mountain, don't leave yet; have a bowl of Lushan hot pot at the foot of the mountain. The portions are large and affordable; one serving is enough for two people. 📍 The scenic area is about a two-hour drive from Pingdingshan city. Carpooling or driving is recommended, as shuttle buses are not very convenient. This place is suitable for bringing parents; there are few steps, the paths are flat, and wheelchairs can walk most of the way. 5️⃣ Xiangyang|Hubei Xiangyang's Ancient Longzhong is where Zhuge Liang lived in seclusion. It sounds like a textbook story, but actually visiting it is more interesting than you might imagine. The entire scenic area is laid out like a mountain forest, with towering ancient trees and stone paths polished smooth by countless footsteps. The most photogenic spot is the bamboo forest in front of the Sangu Hall; the light filtering through the bamboo leaves creates a beautiful scene without any filters. ⏰ Enter the park after 2 PM; there are far fewer tourists then, allowing you to stroll until sunset. 🍜 Afterwards, head to Xiangyang Ancient City. Eat your way through North Street – brown sugar pancakes, spicy soup, beef noodles – and you can eat your fill for around 20 RMB per person. ⚠️ The entrance fee to Gulongzhong is a bit pricey. Booking online a day in advance can save you 10 RMB; every penny counts. 📍 It takes about half an hour by taxi from Xiangyang East Railway Station. Don't take the unlicensed taxis soliciting passengers at the entrance; just use the meter. You can stay overnight in the ancient city; hostels have beds for 60-70 RMB, basic conditions but a good atmosphere. 6️⃣ Weihai|Shandong Weihai is the pinnacle of northern coastal scenery in my mind – incredibly clean. Chengshantou is the easternmost point of the mainland coastline. Standing there watching the sunrise, only four words come to mind: "Worth every penny." ⏰ Sunrise time is around 5:30 AM in autumn. Check the weather forecast a day in advance; go only on a clear day, otherwise, it's a wasted trip. Huaxia City is a man-made scenic area, its main attraction being the nighttime light show, but honestly, the ticket price isn't great value. It's suitable for families with children, but adults can skip it. Liugong Island is a must-see. A 20-minute boat ride takes you ashore. There's a museum on the island telling the story of the Beiyang Fleet; it might leave you feeling a bit somber. 🍜 Food on the island is expensive and generally mediocre, so I recommend bringing your own snacks. ⚠️ The sea breeze in Weihai is really strong. If you go in autumn, be sure to bring a windproof jacket, otherwise you'll be freezing on the beach. 📍 A taxi from the city center to Liugong Island pier costs the starting fare; a round-trip ferry ticket is around 100 yuan. Book in advance to avoid queuing. 7️⃣ Shenyang|Liaoning In Shenyang, ginkgo trees are the main attraction in autumn. Beiling Park (Qing Zhaoling Mausoleum) has a large ginkgo forest that turns golden in mid-October, making the ground look like it's covered in gold when the wind blows. ⏰ Arrive around 3 pm; the sunlight is at an angle, there are fewer people, the light is soft, and every photo looks beautiful. Shenyang World Horticultural Exposition Garden is also worth visiting, but I recommend it more for families with children. It's spacious, you can explore easily, and the entrance fee isn't expensive. If you're interested in ancient architecture, visit the Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda. Hidden in a residential area, it's rarely visited by tourists. The pagoda is over a thousand years old; you can feel the weight of time just by touching the brickwork. The Beita Falun Temple is also nearby; it's quiet and peaceful despite the lack of worshippers. 🍜 Afterwards, head to Xita Street for Korean cold noodles with kimchi and rice sausage. A meal for around 30 RMB per person is enough to fill you up. ⚠️ Shenyang experiences large temperature differences in autumn. Wear short sleeves at midday and a down jacket at night. Don't be afraid to bring a thick coat. 8️⃣ Daxinganling | Heilongjiang Autumn in the Daxinganling Mountains is breathtakingly beautiful. Beiji Village, China's northernmost village, begins to show autumn colors by late September. The birch forests turn golden, against an unreal blue sky, like stepping into an oil painting. ⏰ Get up at 6 am to watch the morning mist on the river. At sunrise, the entire Heilongjiang River seems to glow. 🍜 The food in the village is typical Northeastern home-style cooking, with dishes like stewed pork in an iron pot and "pig-killing feast"—the portions are so huge you'll question your existence! One dish is enough for two people. 📍 It's about an hour's drive from Mohe city to Beiji Village. A round trip by car costs around 200 yuan; you can arrange for the driver to pick you up the next day. ⚠️ Beiji Village gets cold at night, possibly below freezing by the end of September. Make sure to book heated rooms in advance; avoid guesthouses without heating, or you'll wake up freezing. It's a good place for those who prefer quiet; the intermittent cell phone signal is perfect for putting down your phone and relaxing. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Weihai and the Greater Khingan Mountains the most. Weihai is for those who want to enjoy the sea breeze but don't want to be ripped off, while the Greater Khingan Mountains are for those who want to completely escape the crowds. Which one do you most want to go to? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll scout it out for you. September and October are perfect for a day of fun, with mild weather. However, popular tourist spots are packed with people, and accommodations are ridiculously expensive. I flipped through the map and picked a few places that are accessible by high-speed rail, have affordable tickets, and stunning scenery. Less crowded, beautiful views, and a budget-friendly option. This post is straightforward; I'll tell you which places are worth visiting and which you can skip. 1️⃣ Jincheng|Shanxi Jincheng might not be immediately striking, but once you step into the Huangcheng Xiangfu (Imperial City Prime Minister's Residence), you'll understand the true meaning of "Shanxi's confidence." This residence is the ancestral home of Chen Tingjing, and the brick, wood, and stone carvings are so exquisite that you almost hesitate to touch them. I recommend entering after 3 PM, when tour groups have mostly left, and the light slants across the blue brick walls, creating exceptionally photogenic results. 🎫 Booking tickets in advance online is cheaper than on-site. Bring your student ID for half-price admission. 📍 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Jincheng East Station; sharing a ride is even cheaper. ⚠️ Don't buy "handmade vinegar" at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive and mediocre. Just buy it at a supermarket in the city. After finishing your visit, check out the nearby Guoyu Ancient City (no entrance fee) – it's worth a quick look. 🍜 For dinner, head back to the city center for a bowl of beef ball noodles with a roasted liver; a satisfying meal for around 30 RMB per person. 2️⃣ Guangzhou|Guangdong Guangzhou is delicious, but don't rush straight to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street on your first visit. My suggested route: In the morning, go to Chen Clan Academy. It's a showcase of Lingnan architecture, with countless ceramic sculptures on the eaves – you could spend half an hour looking at something different every time. ⏰ Go in as soon as it opens at 9 am; fewer people and softer lighting. At noon, head to the old town of Liwan and randomly pick a rice noodle roll shop; it's only 6 RMB a serving, much better than the 30 RMB ones in the mall. In the afternoon, don't go to Baiyun Mountain for the "wind" (referring to the scenery); take the subway to the base of the Canton Tower and ride the tram along the river for 2 RMB – more worthwhile than climbing the tower. 🌃 In the evening, go to Huacheng Square and photograph the Canton Tower across the river – the night view is free, and the vantage point is excellent. If you're on a budget, don't force yourself to go to Chimelong. Tickets and food can easily cost 500 RMB per person, and you'll be exhausted afterward. It's better to save your budget for food. ⚠️ Guangzhou's subway system is very developed; don't take taxis, or you'll be stuck in traffic and only be able to watch electric scooter shows from your window. 3️⃣ Zhenjiang|Jiangsu Zhenjiang is a city I personally love. The pace of life is slow, prices are low, and the attractions are all clustered together. Jinshan, Jiaoshan, and Beigushan are three mountains, each with its own unique character. Jinshan has the legend of the White Snake, is very popular with worshippers, and has a beautiful pagoda; Jiaoshan requires a ferry ride, has a stele forest on the island, and is so quiet you can hear birds chirping; Beigushan is the smallest, but from the top you can see the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal—the sense of openness makes it worth the ticket price. ⏰ I recommend climbing Jinshan in the morning, having lunch at Xijindu for Guogai noodles, and then climbing Beigushan in the afternoon. 🍜 For Guogai noodles, look for "Lao Zhao Noodle Shop"—add some braised pork, and the broth is absolutely amazing. Maoshan in Jurong is far from the city center. If you're not a Taoist culture enthusiast, you can skip it and don't force it into your itinerary. 🚄 The high-speed train from Zhenjiang to Nanjing takes 20 minutes, so you can visit both places along the way, but don't try to do too much. Zhenjiang itself is worth staying overnight. 4️⃣ Pingdingshan|Henan Pingdingshan sounds like a tough city, but Yaoshan Mountain is surprisingly gentle. I recommend heading straight to Yaoshan—the Central Plains Buddha Scenic Area. This place is all about "bigness." The Buddha is 208 meters tall. Standing at the foot of the mountain and looking up will strain your neck, but it's breathtaking. Don't rush to take the cable car; climb a bit first. The mountain air has a pine resin scent, a hundred times better than in the city. ⏰ Autumn is the perfect time to go. The leaves are already turning red, and the transition zone from the mountainside to the summit is the most beautiful. ⚠️ Cable car tickets and scenic area entrance tickets are sold separately. If you're not physically fit, you can buy a round-trip cable car ticket to save time for sightseeing. After descending the mountain, don't leave yet! Have a bowl of Lushan hot pot at the foot of the mountain; the portion is large and affordable—one serving is enough for two people. 📍 The scenic area is about a two-hour drive from Pingdingshan city. Carpooling or driving yourself is recommended, as shuttle buses are inconvenient. This place is suitable for bringing parents; there are few steps, the paths are flat, and wheelchairs can walk most of the way. 5️⃣ Xiangyang|Hubei Xiangyang's Ancient Longzhong is where Zhuge Liang lived in seclusion. It sounds like a textbook story, but actually visiting it is more interesting than you might imagine. The entire scenic area is laid out like a mountain forest, with towering ancient trees and stone paths polished smooth by countless footsteps. The most photogenic spot is the bamboo forest in front of the Sangu Hall; the light filtering through the bamboo leaves creates a beautiful scene without any filter. ⏰ Enter the park after 2 PM; there are far fewer tourists then, allowing you to stroll until sunset. 🍜 Afterwards, head to Xiangyang Ancient City. Eat your way through North Street – brown sugar pancakes, spicy soup, beef noodles – and you can eat your fill for around 20 RMB per person. ⚠️ The entrance fee to Gulongzhong is a bit pricey. Booking online a day in advance can save you 10 RMB; every penny counts. 📍 It takes about half an hour by taxi from Xiangyang East Railway Station. Don't take the unlicensed taxis soliciting passengers at the entrance; just use the meter. You can stay overnight in the ancient city; hostels have beds for 60-70 RMB, basic conditions but a good atmosphere. 6️⃣ Weihai|Shandong Weihai is the pinnacle of northern coastal scenery in my mind – incredibly clean. Chengshantou is the easternmost point of the mainland coastline. Standing there watching the sunrise, only four words come to mind: "Worth every penny." ⏰ Sunrise time is around 5:30 AM in autumn. Check the weather forecast a day in advance; go only on a clear day, otherwise, it's a wasted trip. Huaxia City is a man-made scenic area, its main attraction being the nighttime light show, but honestly, the ticket price isn't great value. It's suitable for families with children, but adults can skip it. Liugong Island is a must-see. A 20-minute boat ride takes you ashore. There's a museum on the island telling the story of the Beiyang Fleet; it might leave you feeling a bit somber. 🍜 Food on the island is expensive and generally mediocre, so I recommend bringing your own snacks. ⚠️ The sea breeze in Weihai is really strong. If you go in autumn, be sure to bring a windproof jacket, otherwise you'll be freezing on the beach. 📍 A taxi from the city center to Liugong Island pier costs the starting fare; a round-trip ferry ticket is around 100 yuan. Book in advance to avoid queuing. 7️⃣ Shenyang|Liaoning In Shenyang, ginkgo trees are the main attraction in autumn. Beiling Park (Qing Zhaoling Mausoleum) has a large ginkgo forest that turns golden in mid-October, making the ground look like it's covered in gold when the wind blows. ⏰ Arrive around 3 pm; the sunlight is at an angle, there are fewer people, the light is soft, and every photo looks beautiful. Shenyang World Horticultural Exposition Garden is also worth visiting, but I recommend it more for families with children. It's spacious, you can explore easily, and the entrance fee isn't expensive. If you're interested in ancient architecture, visit the Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda. Hidden in a residential area, it's rarely visited by tourists. The pagoda is over a thousand years old; you can feel the weight of time just by touching the brickwork. The Beita Falun Temple is also nearby; it's quiet and peaceful despite the lack of worshippers. 🍜 Afterwards, head to Xita Street for Korean cold noodles with kimchi and rice sausage. A meal for around 30 RMB per person is enough to fill you up. ⚠️ Shenyang experiences large temperature differences in autumn. Wear short sleeves at midday and a down jacket at night. Don't be afraid to bring a thick coat. 8️⃣ Daxinganling | Heilongjiang Autumn in the Daxinganling Mountains is breathtakingly beautiful. Beiji Village, China's northernmost village, begins to show autumn colors by late September. The birch forests turn golden, against an unreal blue sky, like stepping into an oil painting. ⏰ Get up at 6 am to watch the morning mist on the river. At sunrise, the entire Heilongjiang River seems to glow. 🍜 The food in the village is typical Northeastern home-style cooking, like stewed pork in an iron pot and "killing the pig" stew. The portions are so huge you'll be amazed; one dish is enough for two people. 📍 It's about an hour's drive from Mohe city to Beiji Village. A round trip by car costs around 200 yuan; you can arrange for the driver to pick you up the next day. ⚠️ Beiji Village gets cold at night, possibly below freezing by the end of September. Make sure to book heated rooms in advance; avoid guesthouses without heating, or you'll wake up freezing. It's a good place for those who like quiet; the intermittent cell phone signal is perfect for putting down your phone and relaxing. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Weihai and the Greater Khingan Mountains the most. Weihai is for those who want to enjoy the sea breeze but don't want to be ripped off, while the Greater Khingan Mountains are for those who want to completely escape the crowds. Which one would you most like to visit? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll scout it out for you.

Jincheng's Top Choice for Travel | A Established Luxury Hotel in the City Center, Perfect for Both Business and Leisure 🏨 Visit the Huangcheng Xiangfu and Yuhuang Temple in Jincheng, and stay at the Jincheng Haitian Hotel. Located in the heart of the city center, it offers an excellent overall experience, suitable for road trips, family outings, and business trips. The hotel is situated at the intersection of Yingbin Street and the city center, boasting a prime location. It's adjacent to Bailiyuan Park and surrounded by numerous shopping malls and restaurants. Driving is convenient, with easy access via the highway. Free above-ground and underground parking with charging stations is available. The hotel is within easy reach of major scenic spots, making it easy to plan your Jincheng itinerary. The lobby is spacious and bright, with elegant and stylish decor. Check-in at the front desk is efficient and quick, with friendly and courteous staff. Delivery robots deliver directly to your room – thoughtful details that add to the experience. The guest rooms are spacious and bright, with excellent natural light and views of the city. The rooms are clean and tidy, with comfortable and sophisticated furnishings, soft and skin-friendly bedding, and a quiet environment for restful sleep. The bathroom features a separate shower and toilet, reliable hot water, and is fully equipped with amenities such as a refrigerator and smart toilet, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free stay. The hotel boasts comprehensive facilities, including a gym and billiards room for relaxation; a plentiful buffet breakfast caters to both northern and southern tastes, offering many local specialties; a Chinese restaurant serves authentic Jincheng cuisine, allowing guests to enjoy delicious food without leaving the hotel; there's also a tea room and a large conference hall, convenient for business banquets and meetings. Overall, the facilities are excellent, the service is reliable, and the location is outstanding, making it a very reliable luxury accommodation choice in Jincheng. I would definitely choose to stay here again on my next trip to Jincheng.