Eight budget-friendly, relaxing getaways for Mid-Autumn Festival – less crowded and less stressful.
Mid-Autumn Festival Budget-Friendly Trip to 8 Cities: Less Crowded, Beautiful Scenery, and No Crowds
1️⃣ Altay Region | Xinjiang
In September, the grasslands of Altay haven't fully turned yellow, but the snow-capped peaks are already peeking out. The blue of Kanas Lake is the kind of blue that doesn't need a filter. Arrive at the Fish Viewing Platform before 10 am; the sunlight shines down at an angle, making the lake surface look like an uneven piece of jade.
🍜 Remember to try the grilled dogfish at the Burqin Night Market; it's around 30 yuan a fish, with a crispy skin and sweet flesh.
Don't try to cover both Kanas and Keketuhai in one day; both directions are long by car. I recommend staying in Jiadengyu, entering the scenic area early the next morning, saving on a night's accommodation difference and avoiding the crowds.
⚠️ The shuttle bus service within the scenic area decreases after 6 pm; don't stay until the last bus.
The cultural aspects of the Altay grasslands are best experienced on the return trip; no need to make a special detour. Snow may fall early in late September in northern Xinjiang, so bring a windproof jacket; don't just wear a sweatshirt.
2️⃣ Tonghua City | Jilin
Tonghua is a small city without much fame, but it's very pleasant to explore. The main Goguryeo relics and historical sites are in Ji'an. Wandu Mountain City and the Gwanggaeto Stele are close by and can be visited in half a day.
📍 Take an evening stroll along the Yalu River in Ji'an city. North Korea is on the opposite bank, the river breeze is cool, and it's a fantastic spot for watching the sunset.
Many people don't know that Ji'an also has a sea of rapeseed flowers in September, hidden in an open area along the river. The blooming season is much later than in the south. A golden expanse against the distant mountains makes for photos comparable to Wuyuan, and importantly, less crowded.
🍜 Goryeo hot pot is a local specialty; a pot of meat and vegetables cooked together, enough for two people to eat their fill for 70-80 yuan.
🚄 The bus journey from Tonghua to Ji'an takes about two hours, but there aren't many buses, so it's recommended to leave early. To see the sea of flowers, choose mid-to-late September; otherwise, they'll have faded.
3️⃣ Sanya City | Hainan
Sanya isn't necessarily synonymous with high prices. In the Dadonghai area, you can find sea-view rooms for around 100 RMB per person, more than half the price of Yalong Bay. Choose either Xiaodongtian or Tianya Haijiao; I recommend the former—the combination of reefs, lighthouse, and coconut groves makes for better photos, and the entrance fee is cheaper.
Wuzhizhou Island is a money pit; boat tickets plus activities easily cost 400-500 RMB.
⚠️ If you only want to enjoy water activities, Yalong Bay's public beach is free, with fine sand and clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Only go to Wuzhizhou if you want to experience water sports; don't buy a full package right away.
⏰ A stroll along the Coconut Dream Corridor around 5 pm is most pleasant—the sun isn't too strong, the sea breeze is just right, and a bowl of Qingbuliang (a type of sweet soup) at the roadside costs only 10 RMB and is generously portioned. The biggest pitfalls in Sanya are taxi fares and seafood processing. Using a ride-hailing platform and buying your own seafood beforehand, then finding a restaurant to cook it, will save you a lot of money.
4️⃣ Beihai City|Guangxi
Between Weizhou Island and Beihai Silver Beach, my policy is clear: if your budget is limited, only go to the island; leave Silver Beach for splashing in the water along the way. A round-trip ferry ticket plus entrance fee to the island costs about 300 yuan. Renting an electric scooter on the island costs 60 yuan per day. The island's ring road is in good condition, and riding a scooter and enjoying the sea breeze is the most worthwhile part of the trip.
The Crocodile Mountain Volcanic Park on the island is worth a visit. The trail is built along the cliff, and the waves crashing against the black volcanic rocks create spectacular white spray. The sunset at Dripstone Peak is less crowded than at Shiluokou, and the photo spots are better.
🍜 Buy your own seafood at the Nanwan Street seafood market. Have your guesthouse owner cook the mantis shrimp and flower crab; the cooking fee is about 15 yuan per dish.
⚠️ Don't take the sightseeing buses on the island; they're expensive and circuitous. Renting an electric scooter is the right way to experience the island. September is the tail end of the typhoon season. Check the weather forecast before you go; flights may be cancelled due to strong winds.
5️⃣ Shenyang City|Liaoning
Shenyang is perfect for a leisurely two-day, one-night trip. Beiling Park (Qing Zhaoling Mausoleum) is worth spending most of the day on. The entrance fee is cheap, the park is large, with ancient and vigorous pines. After 5 pm, it's less crowded, and the light and shadow filtering through the trees onto the red walls create a particularly peaceful atmosphere.
The Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda is hidden in a residential area, so it receives few tourists from other places. The pagoda is old, and the surrounding area has the atmosphere of old Shenyang. It's across the street from the Beita Falun Temple, so you can visit both. Both places are free and can be explored in half an hour; they're the kind of places you'd pass by without feeling bad.
I wouldn't recommend making a special trip to the Shenyang World Horticultural Exposition Garden. It's far from the city center, the park is large, but the attractions are average.
🍜 However, Lao Bian Dumplings near Zhongjie Street is worth queuing for. It's a century-old shop; the steamed dumplings have thin wrappers and generous fillings, and two people can eat their fill for 70-80 yuan.
🚄 Taxis between city attractions cost less than 15 yuan, so avoid day tours.
6️⃣ Shennongjia Forest District | Hubei
Shennongjia is a place best planned with an "if..." mindset. If you only have two days, head straight to Dajiu Lake. When the morning mist dissipates, the lake is like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains. The tranquility is something money can't buy in the city.
⚠️ Get there early for Dajiu Lake. Take the first shuttle bus at 6:30 am to see the morning mist before leaving.
If you're traveling with elderly people or children, get off at a few viewpoints on Shennong Peak. Avoid the entire hiking route. The high altitude and numerous steps will be exhausting in half an hour. Accommodation options within the scenic area are limited. Pingqian Ancient Town offers better value for money, is close to the Dajiu Lake transfer center, and is convenient for dining.
🍜 Local dishes like stir-fried cured pork with bamboo shoots and lazy tofu are home-style. Small shops cost around 40-50 yuan per person; avoid eating near the scenic area entrance. September in Shennongjia is already cool; a light down jacket is needed for mornings and evenings.
7️⃣ Shangluo City | Shaanxi
Shangluo is known as Xi'an's backyard. It's a one-hour high-speed train ride from Xi'an North Station, even more convenient than going to the Qinling Mountains. The core of Jinshixia Gorge is its water; the plank road follows the stream, offering views of clear pools, waterfalls, and light filtering through the rocks. The entire hike takes three to four hours and isn't too difficult, suitable for the elderly and children.
Tianshuxia Gorge is less famous, but its waterfalls are wild, and the steps are steeper, making it suitable for those with good mobility. Choose only one of the two gorges; visiting both would be too rushed. Mancheng Pass Ancient Town is worth a visit on the way back; the old streets still retain the lives of the original inhabitants, not just empty imitations.
⏰ Baita Temple is hidden in a village; it's most worthwhile to visit in autumn when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow.
⚠️ Photography is not allowed inside the temple; just enjoy the view quietly.
🚄 There are direct buses from the high-speed rail station to the scenic area, but the frequency is low, so it's safer to book in advance on the platform.
8️⃣ Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture|Yunnan
Nujiang Prefecture is the wildest of these eight cities. Bingzhongluo is known as a place where humans and gods coexist. Looking down from the viewing platform at the First Bend of the Nujiang River, the river is emerald green, winding around terraced fields and villages; the vastness is breathtaking—it's so beautiful! September is when the river is clearest, the rainy season has just ended, and there's often mist in the mountains.
Nanjiluo is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, but you'll need a local guide. A round trip takes five to six hours. The altitude is high, and the trails are primitive, so ⚠️ those with average physical fitness shouldn't attempt it. I recommend exploring the area around Bingzhongluo, including Chongding Church, Wuli Village, and the Tea Horse Road ruins, which can be connected in two or three days.
I suggest driving or hiring a car, as public transportation is extremely inconvenient.
🍜 Roasted suckling pig and stone-slab pancakes are local specialties in Dulongjiang. Buy some from local vendors along the way, as you won't find them outside the village.
⏰ Autumn has many sunny days, perfect for travel, but be aware of the large temperature difference between day and night, so pack enough warm clothes.
Eight cities, each with its own character. Altay and Nujiang are the wildest, perfect for escaping crowds; Shenyang and Tonghua are the most comfortable, ideal for leisurely strolls; Sanya and Beihai are the most relaxing, perfect for lounging and daydreaming. The Mid-Autumn Festival holiday is short, so choose one or two cities to explore at a slower pace. Which city are you planning to visit? Let's discuss in the comments.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Explore 8️⃣ Cities on a Small Budget – Less Crowded, Beautiful Scenery, and No Crowds
1️⃣ Altay Region|Xinjiang
In September, the grasslands of Altay haven't fully turned yellow, but the snow-capped peaks are already peeking out. The blue of Kanas Lake is the kind of blue that doesn't need a filter. Arrive at the Fish Viewing Platform before 10 AM, and the sunlight shines obliquely down, making the lake surface look like an uneven piece of jade.
🍜 Remember to try the grilled dogfish at the Burqin Night Market; it's around 30 yuan a fish, with a crispy skin and sweet flesh.
Don't try to cover both Kanas and Keketuohai in one day; both directions are long by car. I recommend staying in Jiadengyu, entering the scenic area early the next morning, saving on the difference in accommodation price and avoiding crowds.
⚠️ The shuttle bus service within the scenic area decreases after 6 PM; don't stay until the last bus.
The cultural aspects of the Altay Grassland are best visited on the way back; no need to make a special detour. Snow may fall early in late September in northern Xinjiang, so bring a windproof jacket; don't just wear a sweatshirt.
2️⃣ Tonghua City|Jilin
Tonghua is a small city without much fame, but it's very pleasant to explore. The main Goguryeo relics and historical sites are in Ji'an. Wandu Mountain City and the Stele of King Gwanggaeto are close together and can be visited in half a day.
📍 Take an evening stroll along the Yalu River in Ji'an city. North Korea is on the opposite bank, the river breeze is cool, and it's a fantastic spot for watching the sunset.
Many people don't know that Ji'an also boasts a sea of rapeseed flowers in September, hidden in an open area along the river. The blooming season is much later than in the south. A golden expanse against the distant mountains makes for photos comparable to Wuyuan, but with fewer crowds.
🍜 Goryeo hot pot is a local specialty, a pot of mixed meat and vegetables, enough for two people to eat their fill for 70-80 yuan.
🚄 The bus from Tonghua to Ji'an takes about two hours, but there aren't many buses, so it's recommended to leave early. For the best flower viewing experience, choose mid-to-late September; otherwise, the flowers will have faded.
3️⃣ Sanya City|Hainan
Sanya isn't necessarily synonymous with high prices. In the Dadonghai area, you can find sea-view rooms for around 100 RMB per person, more than half the price of Yalong Bay. Choose either Xiaodongtian or Tianya Haijiao; I recommend the former, as the combination of reefs, lighthouse, and coconut groves is more photogenic, and the entrance fee is cheaper.
Wuzhizhou Island is a major expense; boat tickets plus activities easily cost 400-500 RMB.
⚠️ If you only want to enjoy water activities, Yalong Bay's public beach is free, with fine sand and clear water, suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Only go to Wuzhizhou if you want to experience water sports; don't buy a full package right away.
⏰ A stroll along the Coconut Dream Corridor around 5 pm is most pleasant; the sun isn't too strong, the sea breeze is just right, and a bowl of Qingbuliang (a type of sweet soup) at the roadside costs only 10 RMB and is generously portioned. The biggest pitfalls in Sanya are taxis and seafood processing. Use a ride-hailing platform, buy your seafood yourself, and then find a restaurant to cook it for you; you can save a lot of money.
4️⃣ Beihai City | Guangxi
Between Weizhou Island and Beihai Silver Beach, my stance was clear: if budget is limited, only go to the island; leave Silver Beach for wading along the way. A round-trip ferry ticket plus entrance fee to the island costs about 300 RMB. Renting an electric scooter on the island costs 60 RMB per day. The island's ring road is in good condition, and riding a scooter and enjoying the sea breeze is the most worthwhile part of the trip.
The Crocodile Mountain Volcano Park on the island is worth a visit. The trail is built along the cliff, and the waves crashing against the black volcanic rocks create spectacular white spray. The sunset at Dripstone Peak is less crowded than at Shiluokou, and the photo spots are better.
🍜 Buy your own seafood at the Nanwan Street seafood market. Have your guesthouse owner cook the mantis shrimp and flower crab; the cooking fee is about 15 RMB per dish.
⚠️ Don't take the sightseeing buses on the island; they're expensive and circuitous. Renting an electric scooter is the right way to experience it. September is the tail end of typhoon season, so check the weather forecast before you go; ferries may be suspended on windy days.
5️⃣ Shenyang City | Liaoning Province
Shenyang is best explored at a leisurely pace over two days and one night. Beiling Park (Qing Zhaoling Mausoleum) is worth spending most of the day on; the entrance fee is cheap, the park is large, with ancient and vigorous pines, and it's especially quiet after 5 pm when the crowds thin out, and the light and shadows filter through the trees onto the red walls.
The Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda is hidden in a residential area, so it receives few tourists from other places. The pagoda itself is old, and the surrounding area has the atmosphere of old Shenyang. It's across the street from the Beita Falun Temple, so you can visit both together. Both are free and can be explored in half an hour; they're the kind of places you'd be happy to stop by.
I wouldn't recommend making a special trip to the Shenyang World Horticultural Exposition Garden. It's far from the city center, and while the park is large, its features are rather ordinary.
🍜 However, Lao Bian Dumplings near Zhongjie Street is worth the wait. It's a century-old shop, and the steamed dumplings have thin wrappers and generous fillings; a meal for two costs around 70-80 yuan and is very filling.
🚄 Taxis between attractions in the city center cost less than 15 yuan; avoid joining a day tour.
6️⃣ Shennongjia Forest District | Hubei
Shennongjia is a place best planned with an "if..." mindset. If you only have two days, head straight to Dajiuhu Lake. When the morning mist dissipates, the lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains. The tranquility there is something no amount of money can buy in the city.
⚠️ Get there early. Take the first shuttle bus at 6:30 AM to enter and enjoy the morning mist before leaving.
If you're traveling with elderly people or children, get off at a few viewpoints on Shennongding Peak. Avoid the entire hiking route. The high altitude and numerous steps will be exhausting in half an hour. Accommodation options within the scenic area are limited. Pingqian Ancient Town offers better value for money, is close to the Dajiuhu Lake transfer center, and is convenient for dining.
🍜 Local specialties include stir-fried cured pork with bamboo shoots and lazy tofu, all home-style dishes. Small shops cost around 40-50 RMB per person; avoid eating near the scenic area entrance. Shennongjia is already cool in September; wear a light down jacket in the mornings and evenings.
7️⃣ Shangluo City | Shaanxi
Shangluo is known as Xi'an's backyard. It's a one-hour high-speed train ride from Xi'an North Station, even more convenient than going to the Qinling Mountains. The core of Jinshixia Gorge is its water; the plank road follows the stream, offering views of clear pools, waterfalls, and light filtering through the rocks. The entire hike takes three to four hours and isn't too difficult, suitable for the elderly and children.
Tianshuxia Gorge is less famous, but its waterfalls are spectacular, and the steps are steeper, making it suitable for those with good mobility. Choose only one of the two gorges; visiting both would be too rushed. Mancheng Pass Ancient Town is worth a visit on the way back; the old streets still retain the lives of the original inhabitants, not just empty imitations.
⏰ Baita Temple is hidden in a village, best visited in autumn when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow.
⚠️ Photography is not allowed inside the temple; please enjoy the view quietly.
🚄 There are direct buses from the high-speed rail station to the scenic area, but services are infrequent; booking in advance on a travel platform is recommended.
8️⃣ Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan
Nujiang Prefecture is the wildest of these eight cities. Bingzhongluo is known as a place where humans and gods coexist. Looking down from the viewing platform at the First Bend of the Nujiang River, the emerald green water meanders through terraced fields and villages; the sheer expanse is breathtaking. September is when the river is clearest, the rainy season has just ended, and there's often mist in the mountains.
Nanjiluo is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, but a local guide is necessary. The round trip takes five to six hours, and the high altitude and poor trail conditions mean that those with average physical fitness should not attempt it. I recommend exploring the area around Bingzhongluo, including Chongding Church, Wuli Village, and the ancient Tea Horse Road ruins, which can be explored in two or three days.
Driving or hiring a car is highly recommended, as public transportation is extremely inconvenient.
🍜 Roasted suckling pig and stone-slab pancakes are local specialties in Dulongjiang. Buy some from local vendors along the way, as you won't find them outside the village.
⏰ Autumn has many sunny days, perfect for travel, but be aware of the large temperature difference between day and night, so pack enough warm clothes.
Eight cities, each with its own unique character. Altay and Nujiang are the wildest, perfect for escaping crowds; Shenyang and Tonghua are the most comfortable, ideal for leisurely strolls; Sanya and Beihai are the most relaxing, perfect for lounging and daydreaming. The Mid-Autumn Festival holiday is short, so choose one or two cities to explore at a slower pace. Which one are you planning to visit? Let's discuss in the comments.