Luyi travel guide and discussion

01 Yuncheng | Shanxi In October and November, the Yuncheng Salt Lake enters its most stable period of the year in terms of color. It's windy, with short days, and the lake surface reflects light significantly after 4 PM. For families with children, it's recommended to visit between 10 AM and 2 PM for a more comfortable experience. ⏰ The morning light is at an angle, avoiding backlighting for photos, and children won't get sunburned while running around. 📍 The main entrance to the Salt Lake is on one side of the Colorful Salt Lake Scenic Area. Strollers can walk there, but the salt crust along the lake is uneven, so choose a stroller with large wheels for stability. For a less strenuous option, take the scenic area's mini-train for a loop to see the different color zones; it's half the effort of walking. 🍜 Don't just grab something quick at the scenic area entrance at noon. Drive 15 minutes to the city center for mutton soup or Wenxi boiled flatbread, which children will enjoy. It's windy around the Salt Lake, so after October, be sure to bring a windproof jacket with a drawstring hood. ⚠️ The color of the salt lake is affected by sunlight and water volume; the view is diminished on cloudy days, so check the weather forecast before you go. Ticket prices and open areas are subject to official announcements on the day of your trip; don't trust touts offering "internal passages" on the roadside. 02 Shangrao|Jiangxi This route in Shangrao is great in autumn, but don't try to visit too many of the four spots; two is enough if you have children. The cable car queue at Sanqingshan is long, so it's recommended to arrive at the Jinsha cable car before 7:30 am to avoid tour groups. ⏰ In October and November, the temperature difference between day and night on the mountain can reach ten degrees Celsius; a windproof jacket and a light down jacket are essential. Huangling's autumn harvest is the main attraction this season, with drying trays of chili peppers, chrysanthemums, and rice covering the Hui-style rooftops. Going to the village before 9:00 am minimizes crowds and avoids the hassle of scrambling for photos. Jiangwan is suitable for leisurely strolls; the stone paths are gentle enough for strollers, and it's friendly to both the elderly and children. Guifeng is more hiking-oriented; if you have children, you can take a boat to see the Danxia landforms, saving your knees. 🚄 It's about an hour's drive from Shangrao Station to Sanqingshan. Taking the Deshang Expressway to Huangling is a smoother route. The four points are scattered, so driving or hiring a car is recommended; don't rely on public transportation. ⚠️ The Huangling cable car has limited capacity during peak season, so buy tickets online one day in advance. Food on the mountain is expensive and has limited choices; bring your own bread and fruit, which can sustain children if they get hungry. 03 Shannan | Tibet Yamdrok Lake is at its clearest in October and November. The rainy season is over, there are fewer clouds, and the lake is a brilliant blue. However, be cautious when taking children to the high altitude; it's recommended to wait until children are at least six years old, and allow them two or three days in Lhasa to acclimatize first. ⏰ The best light is between 10 am and 3 pm. It's windy at the mountain pass, so don't stay for more than an hour. 📍 Gangbala Pass is a common viewpoint, at an altitude of about 4900 meters. Walk slowly after getting off the vehicle; don't let children run or jump. Some areas along the lake are accessible to the water, but it's windy and cold, so bring gloves and a scarf. It's about a two-hour drive from Lhasa; hiring a car is more convenient as the driver is familiar with the roads. 🍜 There are few restaurants along the way, so it's recommended to bring your own hot water and easily digestible snacks. Children may not like butter tea, but sweet tea is more palatable. ⚠️ Altitude sickness depends on individual constitution, not age; consult a doctor before departure. Some sections of the road may be icy after October, so pay attention to road conditions. Ticket prices and viewing platform openings are subject to official announcements on the day. 04 Zhoukou|Henan Autumn in Zhoukou is perfect for a slow-paced cultural outing with children. The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum and Taiqing Palace are about an hour's drive apart, perfect for a day trip. The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum has many ancient cypress trees; the leaves turn yellow in October and November. There are fewer people in the morning, and strollers can walk along the main road. ⏰ It's recommended to arrive at 8:30 am; two hours is not rushed. Taiqing Palace is quieter, and the cultural atmosphere of Laozi's hometown is rich. Taking children to see the inscriptions and tell them stories is more interesting than just taking photos. 📍 Both places are in the county town. For meals, choose local restaurants nearby; the spicy soup, compressed bread, and Dengcheng pig's trotters are all authentic. 🚄 After getting off at Zhoukou East Station, take a taxi or rent a car. Public transportation transfers are troublesome; driving is the most convenient. Remember to let children rest during lunch breaks; one activity in the afternoon is enough, don't cram in too many. ⚠️ Follow the rules in areas where photography is prohibited inside the halls; do not use flash. Some venues are closed on Mondays; check the opening hours before you go, and refer to the official announcement for the day. 05 Zunyi|Guizhou Chishui Danxia has moderate water volume in October and November, the waterfalls are still there, and the temperature is not humid, making it much more comfortable for children than in summer. Foguangyan and Sidonggou are two main routes; choose one and don't try to do too much. ⏰ Enter the valley in the morning; the afternoon light makes the canyon even more beautiful. The Sidonggou trail is gentle, allowing strollers to walk most of it. There are four waterfalls along the way, where children can play in the water as they walk. Foguangyan has more uphill climbing, suitable for older children with good stamina. 📍 There are sightseeing buses at the scenic area entrance, saving you walking effort; round-trip tickets are recommended. 🍜 In Chishui city, eat tofu rice, cured meat, and bamboo shoots; the food is on the spicy side. Order non-spicy steamed dishes for children. It gets cool in the mornings and evenings after October, so bring a light jacket. ⚠️ The trails are slippery after rain; non-slip shoes are a must. Remember the last sightseeing bus time; don't be late. Ticket prices and bus schedules are subject to official announcements on the day. 06 Changsha|Hunan Autumn in Changsha is family-friendly. The red leaves on Yuelu Mountain are in full bloom from late October to November, with the most concentrated area around Aiwan Pavilion. ⏰ Arrive at the mountain before 8 AM for fewer crowds and better air quality. Choose between the cable car and sightseeing bus as needed. It's easier to walk with a stroller along the main road from the East Gate; the West Gate has more steps. Tianxin Pavilion is best visited in the afternoon, offering views of the old city from the city wall, where children can run freely. The Provincial Museum requires advance booking; the Mawangdui exhibition hall is a highlight, but it's closed on Mondays, so don't waste your trip. Huaminglou is in Ningxiang, about an hour's drive, suitable for a half-day trip. 🍜 Along the way, grab some rice noodles, sugar-coated fried dough sticks, or spicy crayfish. If your child doesn't like spicy food, order clear broth rice noodles. 📍 Exiting from the South Gate of Yuelu Mountain leads directly to Hunan University and Denggao Road, offering a convenient route for eating and sightseeing. ⚠️ Yuelu Mountain is crowded on weekends, with long queues for the cable car. Keep an eye on the Provincial Museum's ticket release times; refer to the official announcement for the day. 07 Taizhou|Zhejiang Taizhou offers three distinct autumn destinations: Tiantai Mountain for its ancient Sui Dynasty temples and autumn foliage, Taizhou City for strolling along Ziyang Street and enjoying local snacks, and Shenxianju for its sea of ​​clouds and unique peaks. For families with children, a two-day trip is recommended; avoid rushing through everything in one day. ⏰ Enter Shenxianju at 7:30 AM for a higher chance of experiencing a sea of ​​clouds. Around Guoqing Temple on Tiantai Mountain, ginkgo and maple leaves turn yellow in October and November; the trails are gentle and suitable for strollers. In Taizhou City's Ziyang Street, you can enjoy seaweed pancakes and egg white lamb tails while walking – kids love them. 📍 The ancient city wall of Linhai is accessible, but there are many steps, so proceed with caution if you have young children. 🚄 Intercity trains run from Taizhou West Station to both Linhai and Tiantai, making driving more flexible. Shenxianju offers a convenient cable car and elevator, making it ideal for families with children. ⚠️ Shenxianju has visitor limits during peak season; purchase tickets in advance. It's windy on the mountain; bring a windproof jacket after October. Opening hours and ticket prices are subject to official announcements on the day. 08 Xiangyang|Hubei The most comfortable time to visit Gulongzhong is October and November. The bamboo forests and ancient cypress trees are still green, and the ginkgo trees are starting to change color. It's a relaxing time to explore the Three Kingdoms storyline with kids. ⏰ Enter the scenic area at 9:00 AM. Take the sightseeing bus to the core area first, then walk down slowly. 📍 The route connecting Sangu Hall, Thatched Cottage, and Wuhou Temple is convenient; strollers can walk along the main path. If children don't understand the Three Kingdoms, you can tell them some stories beforehand. Seeing the inscriptions and statues on-site will enhance their immersion. 🍜 Have lunch in the city center for Xiangyang beef noodles. Order the non-spicy version for kids; it's also good with yellow wine and tofu noodles. 🚄 A taxi from Xiangyang Station to Gulongzhong takes about half an hour. Parking is convenient if you drive. Half a day is enough with kids; you can take a walk along the Han River in the afternoon. ⚠️ Some exhibition halls within the scenic area are closed on Mondays. Please confirm before your trip. Ticket prices and sightseeing bus arrangements are subject to official announcements on the day. These eight places each have their own unique charm in autumn. When traveling with children, don't rush through everything; choose one or two that are conveniently located and explore them at a leisurely pace—it's more comfortable than rushing from one place to another. Which one would you most like to visit first?

Can you have a great weekend trip during National Day without taking time off? Here are 8️⃣ hidden gems I've personally tested for a stress-free getaway. 01 Zhoukou | Henan Many people just pass through Zhoukou, but I suggest making it your first stop for Eastern Henan culture—no need to rush. ⏰ Start your morning at the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone. The mausoleum area is full of ancient cypresses; plan for at least 2 hours. Don't wear hard-soled shoes; the stone paths will tire your feet out. 📍 In the afternoon, head to Taiqing Palace. The archways and halls of Laozi's birthplace are worth a slow look. The lighting inside is dim, so it's better for photographing architecture than portraits. 🍜 After exploring, find a bowl of Xiaoyao Town Hu-la soup on the street. Pair it with a fried dough fritter for a filling meal that costs just over 10 yuan. ⚠️ Don't engage with the fortune tellers around Taiqing Palace; just smile and walk away. Great for a trip with parents—the pace is slow and there are few stairs. It's relatively less crowded in the morning during National Day, but tour groups pile in after 2:00 PM, so go early. 02 Baoshan | Yunnan Baoshan is a small Western Yunnan city I'm personally fond of. The attractions around Tengchong are scattered but easy to connect. ⏰ Head up Tengchong Yunfeng Mountain in the morning; take the cable car and boardwalk to see clouds passing beneath your feet. If you're afraid of heights, hold onto the inner railing and don't look down at the gaps. I recommend visiting Heshun Ancient Town in the evening. 📌 Follow the stone steps along the Xianhe River to Shuanghong Bridge, where you can still see people washing clothes in the laundry pavilion. Stay at a guesthouse in the ancient town; it's so quiet at night you can hear the water. Beihai Wetland is best in the morning. The grass mats are soft and squishy—⚠️ don't wear white shoes, as mud stains are hard to remove. Save half a day for the Tengchong Volcano Geothermal Park. Boiling eggs in the "Big Rolling Pot" is a must-do. The sulfur smell is strong, but it's quite an experience. Flights to Tengchong during National Day are cheaper than flying to Dali, and it's less crowded. Perfect for couples and those looking for peace and quiet. 03 Shaoxing | Zhejiang Shaoxing is the kind of place where you feel like you're walking through a textbook, but don't just focus on checking off boxes. You can connect Lu Xun's Former Residence and Shen Garden in one route. ⏰ Get to the former residence before 8:00 AM to avoid long lines at the Sanwei Study. People are always reciting poetry in front of the Chai Tou Feng stele at Shen Garden—just listen, don't crowd them. 📍 Lanting is outside the city; the stone where the "winding stream party" took place is smaller than you'd imagine. Calligraphy enthusiasts will linger, but most people can finish the tour in 40 minutes. I save Anchang Ancient Town for the evening. Sausages and soy-sauce ducks hang from the eaves. 🍜 Grab a bowl of freshly made fermented rice balls—the sweetness is just right. ⚠️ Ask for the price before boarding a black-awning boat in the ancient town; it's charged by the boat, not by the person, so don't get confused by vague quotes. Shaoxing is great for exploring alone or with older relatives who love reading. The old town gets congested during National Day, so taking the subway and using bike-shares is faster. 04 Leshan | Sichuan The beauty of Leshan is half on the mountain and half in the bowl. I go for the food every time, with the Giant Buddha as a bonus. ⏰ If you want to save energy on Emei Mountain, take the sightseeing bus to Leidongping and then head up to the Golden Summit. The bus leaves at 6:00 AM, and seeing the sea of clouds depends on your luck. ⚠️ Renting a coat at the summit is more expensive than at the base, so bringing your own windbreaker is more practical. I recommend taking a boat to see the full view of the Leshan Giant Buddha. 📍 Board at Baxiandong Pier for a half-hour round trip. Hiking down the Nine-Bend Plank Road involves waiting in line, which can take 2 hours or more during holidays, so don't push yourself if you have bad knees. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, head straight to Zhanggongqiao Food Street to try the qiao jiao beef, sweet-skin duck, and bobo chicken. Don't fill up at the first place; save room for the ice jelly waiting for you later. Leshan is perfect for foodies and families with kids. Boat tickets are in high demand during National Day, so book online a day in advance and check the official daily announcements. 05 Yangzhou | Jiangsu Yangzhou is slow; the more you rush, the more you miss out. I suggest setting your pace to "morning tea mode." ⏰ Go to Yechun or Fuchun at 7:00 AM for a table full of dried tofu strips, jade siu mai, and three-ingredient buns. ⚠️ After 10:00 AM, morning tea turns into lunch tea—the taste is the same, but the atmosphere is different. Enter Slender West Lake from the South Gate, 📍 walk along the Long Causeway Spring Willows to the Five Pavilion Bridge, and then take a sculling boat for a stretch. You see crabapple blossoms in spring and ginkgo in autumn; National Day is just at the tail end of the osmanthus season. Choose either Ge Garden or He Garden. Ge Garden is for bamboo and four-season rockeries; He Garden is for its covered corridors. I prefer He Garden—it's less crowded and the light and shadows are more magical. Yangzhou is great for couples and families with seniors. Stroll through Dongguan Street in the evening and 🍜 buy a cup of Luyangchun tea to drink as you walk. Don't buy the overpriced lotus root starch at the street entrance. 06 Tongren | Guizhou You basically come to Tongren for Fanjingshan (Mount Fanjing), but this mountain is truly worth the trip. You must book the Fanjingshan Tourism Zone in advance. ⚠️ The Red Clouds Golden Summit has limited capacity, and it's common to be unable to buy tickets on the day during peak season. The trip involves a cable car and hiking, taking 5–6 hours in total; wear non-slip shoes. ⏰ I suggest catching the first group up the mountain. The clouds haven't dispersed yet, and the Mushroom Stone stands in the wind, looking like it's about to fall but never does. The temperature at the summit is 7–8 degrees lower than at the base, so don't skimp on the jacket. After coming down, have a meal in Jiangkou County; 🍜 beef jerky and rice tofu are local flavors. If you have average stamina, just walk to the upper cable car station and head back; don't push yourself to climb the Golden Summit. If it rains during National Day, the road may be slippery and subject to temporary controls, so check official notices before you leave. Suitable for young people who love hiking and seniors with good stamina. 07 Chongqing I've written about Chongqing many times, so this time I'll pick a few corners that aren't as crowded. The Dazu Rock Carvings are outside the city. ⏰ Go to Baoding Mountain in the morning to see the gold leaf on the Thousand-Hand Guanyin shining in the light. Hire a guide, otherwise, you'll just be looking at rocks. Jinyun Mountain is great for the afternoon; 📍 walk along the Baiyun Bamboo Sea, where the temperature is a few degrees lower than in the city. Save a full day for the Wulong Karst Tourism Zone; visit the Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Ground Fissure in one go. ⚠️ The fissure is wet and slippery, so shoes with shallow treads will easily slip. I suggest taking a cruise on the Yangtze River for a stretch; departing in the evening to see the lights on both banks is more layered than during the day. 🍜 Back in the city, find a small noodle shop and finish with a bowl of xiao mian with a fried egg. Chongqing is suitable for everyone, but Hongya Cave is packed during National Day, so it's better to view it from a distance. Combining light rail and taxis is more stress-free than driving yourself. 08 Gannan | Gansu Gannan is the kind of place you don't have high expectations for before you go, but keep talking about after you return. If you go during National Day, the grass is already yellow, but the sky is unbelievably blue. I suggest staying one night in Zhagana. ⏰ Climb to the viewing platform in the morning to see the stone city slowly reveal itself in the morning mist. ⚠️ Accommodation in the village is basic, and hot water is limited, so lower your expectations. Langmu Temple is divided into Sichuan and Gansu sides; 📍 the Buddha-drying terrace on the Gansu side is a great spot for sunrise. Yeliguan Tourism Zone is good to visit on the way; the canyons and forests are beautiful, and the autumn colors are rich. Save Gahai Lake for the afternoon; it's windy, so hold onto your hat. 🍜 Find a Tibetan restaurant on the road to drink butter tea and eat tsampa. You might not be used to the first bite, but the second one will go down smoothly. Gannan is suitable for road trips and photography enthusiasts. Temperatures are near zero in the morning and evening during National Day, so bring a down jacket. Altitude sickness isn't severe, but don't run or jump vigorously. Of these eight places, the ones I most want to return to are Gannan and Baoshan. One is vast, the other is gentle. Where are you planning to go for National Day? Let me know in the comments, and I'll help you see if it's on the way.

Avoid the crowds during National Day! These 5️⃣ off-the-beaten-path towns are perfect for autumn colors 01 Shangluo | Shaanxi Deep in the Qinling Mountains in October, Shangluo is the kind of place where you just want to take a deep breath as soon as you open the window. The autumn leaves in Jinshixia Gorge turn red from the valley floor to the mountain ridge. ⏰ Go before 10 am, the light will be just right for the stream, and there are so few people you can hear the sound of your own footsteps on the fallen leaves. Tianshuxia Gorge is best visited in the afternoon; the patterns on the rocks, resembling both writing and painting, are particularly photogenic under the setting sun. 📍 The Ming and Qing dynasty-era street in Mancheng Pass Ancient Town isn't long, but when the evening smoke rises, you'll feel time slow down. 🍜 The stall in town that makes "fairy leaf jelly" only opens until 4 pm; if you go too late, it'll be closed. The ginkgo trees at Baita Temple won't turn fully yellow until mid-to-late October, so don't go too early and miss out. ⚠️ There is no direct bus between Jinshixia and Tianshuxia; driving is the most convenient option, otherwise you'll have to transfer back in the county town. For families with elderly members, the gentle boardwalk in Jinshixia is recommended; hiking enthusiasts can venture a couple of kilometers deeper into Tianshuxia. During the National Day holiday, guesthouse prices in Shangluo are relatively reasonable; booking a week in advance usually yields a good deal. Two days and one night is just right; don't overdo it. 02 Taizhou|Zhejiang The sea breeze in Taizhou carries the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, making autumn its most comfortable season. The Shiliang Waterfall at Tiantai Mountain has the largest flow of water after rain, with mist rising from the valley floor, like stepping into a half-dry ink painting. The city wall of the Taizhou Prefectural City Cultural Tourism Area is best visited after 5 PM to avoid the sun and to see the entire Linhai Old Town illuminated. 📍 The egg white lamb tail on Ziyang Street is best when freshly fried; once it cools, it becomes a lump of oil. I recommend taking the cable car up Shenxianju. The steps are steep and numerous, so those with knee problems shouldn't push themselves. ⚠️ Shoe covers are required for the glass viewing platform at Nantianding. If you're afraid of heights, just look from the outside; there's no need to force yourself. 🍜 Linhai Maixia (临海麦虾) isn't actually shrimp; it's a noodle soup. Don't be fooled by the name if it's your first time trying it. For a two-day, one-night trip, the first day at Fucheng and the second day at Shenxianju is a good pace. During the National Day holiday, Shenxianju has visitor limits, so tickets must be booked in advance through official channels. If you're bringing kids, go to Fucheng; Shenxianju requires a higher level of physical fitness from children. 03 Lingshui|Hainan Lingshui is an underrated option next to Sanya. In October, the seawater is still warm, but there are far fewer people. For snorkeling at Fenjiezhou Island, ⏰ the visibility is best between 9 and 11 am; the water gets murky in the afternoon when the waves pick up. The cable car ride across the sea at Nanwan Monkey Island is worth taking; you'll see fishing rafts and the azure sea below. However, ⚠️ don't take plastic bags on the island—the monkeys are incredibly fast at snatching things, so keep an eye on your glasses and hat. 📍 Eat seafood on the fishing rafts at Xincun Port; prices are more reasonable than in Sanya city, but remember to ask the price before ordering. 🍜 Lingshui sour rice noodles are a local breakfast—sour, spicy, and appetizing, perfect with a coconut cake. Fenjiezhou Island is suitable for couples and snorkeling enthusiasts, while Nanwan Monkey Island is more suitable for families, but children shouldn't wear brightly colored clothes, as the monkeys will be attracted. Two days and one night is enough; staying in the Qingshui Bay area offers good value. Hainan isn't in peak season yet during the National Day holiday, so hotel prices are much more reasonable than during the Spring Festival. 04 Linxia | Gansu Autumn arrives crisply in Linxia, ​​and the Yellow River is clear here. Liujiaxia Tourist Resort: ⏰ Take a boat into Bingling Gorge after 4 PM. The sunlight turns the Danxia cliffs golden-red, ten times more beautiful than at midday. Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Site: The grottoes require at least three hours. Special grottoes are an extra charge but worthwhile. ⚠️ Boat schedules are affected by water levels; call ahead to confirm availability. 📍 Linxia City's Eight Squares and Thirteen Alleys are more charming at night than during the day. The brick carvings in the alleys are particularly intricate under the lights. 🍜 Hand-pulled mutton with covered-bowl tea: locals eat it this way, so you should too! This area is suitable for those interested in grottoes and Yellow River scenery. Elderly people can easily walk the Bingling Temple boardwalk, which is flat throughout. Two days and one night: Day 1: boat trip in Liujiaxia; Day 2: leisurely stroll through Eight Squares and Thirteen Alleys. During the National Day holiday, Linxia wasn't crowded, ensuring a smooth experience. 05 Wuzhong | Ningxia Autumn in Wuzhong is the quietest stretch of the Yellow River. At the Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon Tourist Area, ⏰ the morning light is perfect for capturing the canyon without backlighting. Taking a boat in, you can see the 108 Pagodas standing on the cliff edge. ⚠️ Buses and boats within the scenic area have separate tickets; don't assume one ticket covers everything. 📍 Guoqiang Hand-Pulled Noodles in Wuzhong city center: locals queue for it, but if you go after 2 PM, you'll likely not have to wait. 🍜 Morning tea with noodles is a hidden gem in Wuzhong. A bowl of noodles with eight-treasure tea can keep you entertained until noon. This is perfect for those who don't want to rush; half a day in the canyon, half a day in the city for food and drinks – a relaxed pace. It's ideal for bringing parents; no hiking required, just enjoy the scenery from the boat. During the National Day holiday, Ningxia experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, so a jacket is essential. One day is sufficient. If you stay an extra day, you can watch the sunset at the Yellow River Tower. Ticket prices and boat schedules are subject to official announcements on the day. 06 Zhoukou | Henan The autumn colors of Zhoukou are hidden in its ancient architecture and cypress forests. The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area is particularly impressive when visited in the morning, before the morning mist dissipates, with the ancient cypress trees in front of the mausoleum exuding a powerful aura. The Taiqing Palace is not large, but its tranquility is unparalleled. 📍 In the old streets of Luyi County, there are vendors selling "Ma Hu" (a type of rice noodle soup), costing two yuan a bowl—a local favorite since childhood. ⚠️ The two attractions are not in the same county; the Taihao Mausoleum is in Huaiyang, and the Taiqing Palace is in Luyi. It takes over an hour to drive between them, so don't try to cram them into one half-day. 🍜 In Huaiyang, try the Fangbudai roasted chicken; just buy half to try, as a whole chicken is too much. This area is suitable for those interested in history and culture; those purely focused on natural scenery might find it somewhat bland. One and a half days is just right: the first day at the Taihao Mausoleum, and the second day at the Taiqing Palace. During the National Day holiday, it wasn't too crowded, and parking was easy to find. 07 Ganzi | Sichuan Ganzi's autumn is breathtaking, but be prepared to go during the National Day holiday. Xinduqiao: ⏰ Mid-October to early November, the poplars turn completely yellow. Arrive at the Ten-Mile Gallery before 8 AM for incredibly soft lighting. Mugecuo's Seven-Colored Lake: Go in the afternoon to see the snow-capped mountains reflected in the water. Daocheng Yading: ⏰ Late September to late October is the most beautiful, but ⚠️ Milk Lake and Five-Colored Lake are at high altitudes, so assess your physical condition and don't push yourself. Hailuogou's glaciers and red leaves together create a unique combination you won't see anywhere else. 🍜 Don't miss the snacks in Kangding city; the yak meat hot pot is warming and filling. This area is suitable for energetic young people. If you're traveling with elderly people or children, focus on the lower altitude areas of Xinduqiao and Hailuogou. Daocheng Yading has visitor limits during the National Day holiday; tickets and sightseeing buses must be booked in advance. Spend at least four days; don't shorten your trip. The temperature difference between day and night is extreme, so bring a down jacket and sunscreen. 08 Zhanjiang | Guangdong Autumn in Zhanjiang is the peak season for seafood. The summer heat has subsided, and the sea breeze is just right. At Huguangyan Maar Lake, ⏰ take a walk around the lake at 7 am. It's less crowded, the air is fresh, and the volcanic geological features are particularly clear in the morning light. ⚠️ Don't take the unlicensed taxis outside Huguangyan; ride-hailing apps are more reliable. 📍 Sunset at the Xiashan Seaview Promenade: locals come here for a stroll after dinner; it's more comfortable than the scenic area. 🍜 Zhanjiang's white-cut chicken and oysters are in season during the National Day holiday. Charcoal-grilled oysters are better than sashimi. This is a great place for a slow-paced vacation: two days and one night, one day at Huguangyan, and one day exploring the city. For children, the science museum at Huguangyan is a good option; the flat path around the lake is also easy for seniors. Hotels in Zhanjiang are reasonably priced during the National Day holiday; remember to ask the price before buying seafood at the stalls. In conclusion: These five places are perfect for a National Day holiday – not too crowded, and the autumn colors won't wait. Which one do you most want to visit? Let me know in the comments.

Avoid the crowds when traveling with kids in October: these 8 places will have them talking for months 01 Zhoukou | Henan In October, the summer heat in Zhoukou has faded, and the breeze carries a crisp coolness. When bringing kids to the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone, the goal isn't to walk the entire route, but to pick a few spots you can explain well and explore at a leisurely pace. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM. It's less crowded, the light is soft, and the kids will be at their most patient. 📍 The ancient cypresses and stone tablets in the mausoleum area are ready-made storytelling material. Doing a little homework beforehand makes it much more interesting than just looking at them on the spot. The Taiqing Palace area is better suited for older children, as the threads of Laozi's culture can connect to plenty of content outside their textbooks. ⚠️ There's a noticeable temperature difference between morning and evening in October, so pack a light jacket for the kids. The scenic area is quite large; strollers can handle the main paths, but don't force the whole route. Plan to return to the hotel for an hour of rest after lunch before heading out again in the afternoon—this cuts the chance of a meltdown in half. 🍜 For local breakfast in Zhoukou, try hot and sour soup (hulatang) with pan-fried buns. If the kids can't handle the spice, switch to bean porridge. Keep the overall pace slow; two spots a day is plenty. 02 Changsha | Hunan October is one of the most comfortable times of the year in Changsha. Tianxin Pavilion is best visited in the morning; climb the pavilion to see the old city walls and tell a few old Changsha stories—the kids will actually listen. ⏰ The light is good between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, so photos won't be backlit. Visit Yuelu Mountain in the afternoon. In October, the maple leaves aren't fully red yet, but the mountain scenery is starting to show layers. When bringing kids, I recommend entering from the East Gate and taking the cable car or sightseeing vehicle up the mountain to save energy. 📍 It's crowded near the Aiwan Pavilion, but it gets quieter if you walk a bit further in. The Provincial Museum requires advance booking. ⚠️ It's closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. The Mawangdui exhibits are a huge hit with elementary school students; plan for two hours. Huaminglou is in Ningxiang and is best scheduled as a separate half-day trip. It's a bit far, so you can skip it if the kids are young. 🍜 As for food, kids love rice noodles and sugar oil baba (glutinous rice balls). Just mention the spice level in advance. Changsha's subway is convenient, so staying near Wuyi Square makes getting around easy. 03 Changzhi | Shanxi In October, the Taihang Mountains are at their most visually stunning. In Huguan Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon's Baquan Gorge, the water is clear and the cliffs are steep—the kids will be saying "wow" the whole time during the boat ride into the gorge. ⏰ I recommend entering the scenic area at 8:30 AM to avoid the peak tour group times. The Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon is vast, so don't be too ambitious when bringing kids; just picking Baquan Gorge and Hongdou Gorge is enough. 📍 The trails in the gorge are uneven, so strollers aren't very practical; a baby carrier is more useful. The wind in the mountains is strong in October, so ⚠️ dress the kids in windproof jackets and bring hats. 🚄 It takes about an hour by taxi from Changzhi East Station to the scenic area. I recommend driving yourself or chartering a car, as public transport transfers are a hassle. This is suitable for children over five who can walk a bit. 🍜 There are few dining options in the scenic area, so bringing your own bread and fruit is a safer bet. 04 Benxi | Liaoning In October, Benxi is the main stage for autumn colors in Northeast China. The maple leaves in Guanmenshan National Forest Park enter their peak viewing period in mid-October, showing layered shades of red rather than just a blurry mess. ⏰ I recommend going on a weekday, as it's packed on weekends. Benxi Water Cave maintains a constant temperature year-round, so it's not cold to enter in October. Taking a boat to see the stalactites will instantly hook the kids' curiosity. 📍 The light inside the cave is dim, so hold the kids' hands. Huanren Wunv Mountain is suitable for older children; climbing the mountain to see the Goguryeo mountain city ruins is a test of both cultural knowledge and physical stamina. ⚠️ Temperatures in Benxi approach zero in the mornings and evenings in October, so you can bring out the down jackets. Guanmenshan and Wunv Mountain are not in the same direction, so don't try to cram them into one day. 🍜 Benxi Xiaoshi lamb soup is a local signature dish—it's warming and filling. 05 Ma'anshan | Anhui In October, the river breeze in Ma'anshan is gentle, making it perfect for a slow stroll. The Yangtze River Caishiji Cultural Ecological Tourism Zone centers on the river views and the stories of Li Bai. ⏰ Go after 3:00 PM when the light is slanted, making the river surface look beautiful and keeping you out of the sun. 📍 You can connect the Taibai Pavilion and Sanyuan Cave areas for a walk. The route is flat and friendly for strollers and seniors. Telling the kids about Li Bai writing poems here is more memorable than just looking at the river. ⚠️ It's windy by the river, and it cools down quickly in the October evenings, so don't forget a jacket. The scenic area isn't huge; two or three hours is enough. 🍜 Have a bowl of Dangtu meat noodles in downtown Ma'anshan before heading back—the pace is just right. 06 Yichun | Jiangxi In October, Mingyue Mountain is crisp and refreshing, making it a great window for hiking with kids. ⏰ I recommend going up the mountain in the morning; the cable car lines are short, the clouds and mist haven't dispersed at the summit yet, and the scenery has depth. 📍 The trails around Moon Lake and Xingyue Cave are well-maintained, so the kids can walk a portion on their own. Hot springs are another highlight of Mingyue Mountain; soaking in one on an October evening is relaxing. ⚠️ The temperature at the summit is 5–6 degrees lower than at the base, so you must bring a jacket. 🚄 It's about a 40-minute drive from Yichun Station to Mingyue Mountain. It's suitable for families, but don't overschedule; going up and down the mountain plus a hot spring soak makes for a perfect day. 🍜 You can try Yichun Zhafen (stir-fried rice noodles); the flavor is mild and kid-friendly. 07 Lhasa | Tibet October is one of the most stable times of the year to visit Lhasa. The rainy season is over, there are many sunny days, and visibility is high. However, be mentally prepared when bringing kids—altitude is a hard barrier. ⚠️ I recommend considering this only for children over eight, and it's better to acclimate in Xining or Nyingchi first. The Potala Palace requires advance booking. ⏰ Enter the palace in the morning; the light and energy levels are just right. The flow of pilgrims around Jokhang Temple is a different kind of classroom for kids. 📍 Take your time walking through Barkhor Street; don't rush. Namtso is already cold in October and windy, so don't stay by the lake for too long. A round trip from Lhasa in one day is quite tiring, so I suggest assessing the children's condition. 🍜 You can try sweet tea and Tibetan noodles, but don't expect the kids to love everything. Keep the overall pace slow, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous running or jumping. 08 Hohhot | Inner Mongolia In October, the grasslands in Hohhot are entering the end of the season, turning from green to yellow—a different kind of vastness. The Chilechuan Grassland Cultural Tourism Zone is great for letting kids run wild. ⏰ Go in the morning before the wind picks up. The Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon, where the Yellow River and the Great Wall meet, is a scene that's very vivid when described to kids. 📍 It's windy by the canyon, and ⚠️ you'll need to wear thick jackets in October, so have hats and scarves ready. 🚄 The drive from downtown Hohhot to Laoniuwan is long, so I recommend driving yourself or joining a one-day tour. Chilechuan is close to the city, so half a day is enough. 🍜 Shumai (steamed dumplings) and milk tea are the standard local breakfast. Kids might not be used to salty milk tea, so have them try a small sip first. When traveling with kids in October, choosing the right place is more important than rushing from spot to spot. Of these eight, the autumn colors in Benxi and the comfort of Changsha are the two I'd recommend first. Which stop are you planning to take your kids to? Let's chat in the comments.

The two biggest fears when traveling in October: empty wallets and dense crowds. We've selected 8 cities that avoid the top-tier tourist traps, so you can enjoy the autumn scenery without breaking the bank. The north is getting windy, while the south is cooling down—you'll need to account for temperature differences and daylight hours. Here they are in order, with one tip for each to help you avoid unnecessary detours. 01 Xianning | Hubei The Ancient Battlefield of Chibi is the highlight here. In October, the river breeze picks up. After 3:00 PM, the light hits the replica ancient warships and water forts at an angle, making for better photos than at noon. ⏰ We recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours to walk the main axis before heading back to the riverside. 📍 There is a slope from the entrance to the riverside. Seniors with limited mobility can take the shuttle bus; don't try to walk it. Check official daily announcements for admission tickets and performance times, and don't trust "insider tickets" sold by touts at the entrance. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Xianning North Station; ride-sharing is more economical. The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant in October, and the wind by the river is strong, so bring a light jacket. This is perfect for a half-day trip if you're on a budget and want to take your time. 02 Zhoukou | Henan The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone and Taiqing Palace are 2 separate locations, so don't confuse them. Fuxi Mausoleum is best visited in the morning when it's less crowded and has plenty of shade; walking the mausoleum's axis takes about 1.5 hours. Taiqing Palace features Taoist architecture, and the afternoon light hits the halls at a better angle. ⚠️ The 2 sites are not close to each other. Driving or taking a taxi is more reliable, as public transport transfers will eat up most of your day. The weather in eastern Henan is crisp and clear in October, making it suitable for a leisurely walk with seniors. 🍜 After exploring, find a bowl of spicy soup (hulatang) with a flatbread in the city; you can get full for around CNY 10–20. Check official daily announcements for admission tickets and opening hours, as some venues may adjust their schedules on Mondays. 03 Chenzhou | Hunan There are many attractions here, so you'll need to prioritize. It's more relaxed to split Gaoyiling Danxia and Dongjiang Lake into 2 days; trying to cram them into 1 day will just leave you rushing. ⏰ We recommend visiting Gaoyiling in the early morning or evening, as the stone surfaces reflect light at noon and it feels quite hot. The morning mist at Dongjiang Lake in October is a highlight, making the early wake-up call worth it. Mangshan Five-Finger Peak is at a high altitude, and the leaves start to change color in October. It's several degrees cooler on the mountain than in the city, so be sure to stay warm. 🚄 Chenzhou West Station is the high-speed rail stop. We recommend chartering a car or ride-sharing to get to the attractions. ⚠️ Some areas of Gaoyiling have steep steps, so wear non-slip shoes. If you have a fear of heights, don't push yourself. This is suitable for those with decent stamina who love natural scenery. 04 Xining | Qinghai It's already cold in Xining in October. The sun is strong during the day, but it's freezing in the morning and evening—a windbreaker with a fleece lining is not an exaggeration. Ta'er Monastery is best visited in the morning when the light inside the halls is soft and there are many people turning prayer wheels. The Dongguan Mosque is in the city center; visit in the afternoon and stop by the surrounding old streets on your way. 📍 Ta'er Monastery is about a 30-minute drive from the city. It's accessible by bus, but it takes a long time, so taking a taxi is more convenient. ⚠️ Dress modestly inside the monastery; avoid shorts or tank tops. Check official daily announcements for admission tickets and guided tours. 🍜 Find a Halal restaurant in the city for some hand-grabbed mutton and noodle soup—it's warming and hearty. The temperature difference between day and night is significant in October, so don't skimp on moisturizer and sunscreen. 05 Gannan | Gansu October marks the end of autumn in Gannan. The meadows are turning yellow, and the mountains of Zhagana are clearly layered in the morning light. ⏰ We recommend staying overnight in Zhagana; the morning mist is the most photogenic, and a round trip in 1 day is too rushed. Langmusi Town is perfect for a slow stroll. The Bailong River divides the town, and half a day is enough to wander around both sides. It's windy at Gahai Lake in October, and it feels cold by the lake, so bring a warm hat and gloves. The Yeliguan Tourism Zone is at its peak for autumn leaves, making it perfect for a road trip. 🚄 Usually, you'll need to get to Lanzhou first and then transfer. Attractions in Gannan are scattered, so chartering a car or driving yourself is the standard way to get around. ⚠️ The altitude is not low, so avoid strenuous running or jumping, and don't plan too much for your first day. This is suitable for those who don't mind long car rides. 06 Fuzhou | Fujian Three Lanes and Seven Alleys is the most hassle-free stop in the city. It's free to enter and accessible by subway. ⏰ We recommend going in the morning when it's less crowded and the light is good; the white walls and black tiles in the alleys make for clean photos. 📍 Enter from Nanhou Street and slowly turn into Langguan Alley and Ta Alley; don't just stick to the main street. The main street is heavily commercialized, so ducking into the side alleys is where you'll find the real charm. Fuzhou is still relatively warm in October, so a short-sleeved shirt and a light jacket are enough. 🍜 Find a bowl of guobianhu (pot-edge paste) with rouyan (meat wontons) at the entrance of an alley for a meal that costs around CNY 10–20. ⚠️ It's crowded on weekends and holidays, and the experience is much better on weekdays. This is perfect for first-time visitors to Fuzhou who want a half-day trip at zero cost. 07 Jincheng | Shanxi The Huangcheng Xiangfu Ecological Cultural Tourism Zone is the main attraction. In October, autumn is in full swing at the foot of the Taihang Mountains, and the light and shadows on the city walls and courtyards are beautiful. ⏰ Enter the scenic area in the morning; visit the main residence first, then go up to the city walls—don't reverse the order. 📍 The Xiangfu complex is large. Follow the signs, or you might miss the inner residence and the hidden soldier caves. Check official daily announcements for admission tickets and performance times, and don't rely on old guides for timing. 🚄 Jincheng East Station has high-speed rail. We recommend taking a taxi or driving to the scenic area. ⚠️ It's cool in the morning and evening in southeastern Shanxi in October, and it's windy on the city walls, so bring an extra jacket. This is suitable for travelers who love ancient architecture and want to avoid the crowds of popular ancient cities. 08 Tangshan | Hebei The Eastern Qing Tombs and Nanhu-Kailuan have different vibes. Cramming both into 1 day will be tiring, so it's more reasonable to split them over 2 days. The leaves at the Eastern Qing Tombs start to turn yellow in October, and the stone statues and halls look very dignified in the autumn light. Nanhu-Kailuan is more about urban leisure and industrial history; taking a walk in Nanhu Park in the evening is pleasant. 📍 The Eastern Qing Tombs are far from the city center, so driving or chartering a car is more practical; public transport takes a long time. ⚠️ The tomb area is large, so wear comfortable shoes—don't try to walk it in new shoes. The wind in Tangshan starts to get strong in October, so don't be careless about staying warm. This is suitable for those traveling with seniors who want a quiet place to see ancient architecture and gardens. These 8 cities aren't top-tier tourist destinations in October, so you can keep your budget down and enjoy a more relaxed pace. If you really have to choose, the autumn scenery in Chenzhou and the meadows in Gannan are the most worth the price of admission. Which one do you plan to visit first? Let us know in the comments.

Worried about tiring your parents on National Day trips? These 5️⃣ slow-paced cities I tried myself are stress-free 1️⃣ Zhuhai | Guangdong What’s the biggest worry when taking parents out? That they’ll say they’re tired after a few steps or stand in line until their legs give out. I’d call Zhuhai the ultimate elder-friendly spot. 📍 Lovers' Road is best after 5 PM. The sea breeze keeps you cool and out of the sun. Rent a two-person bike and pedal slowly — my dad didn’t complain once. There are benches along the road, so you can sit after a few steps and watch the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. Leave a full day for Chimelong International Ocean Resort. ⏰ Enter the park before 10 AM and start with the whale shark exhibit when it’s less crowded and the lighting is better. For the beluga show, reserve seats about 20 minutes early, or you’ll only get standing room in the back. ⚠️ The park is huge. Renting a wheelchair for older family members isn’t embarrassing and really saves effort. 🍜 Don’t force eating inside the park. Go out to Wanzai Seafood Street, pick your own seafood, and have a restaurant cook it — per person it’s about half the price of eating inside. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Zhuhai station, and a taxi to Lovers' Road costs only the base fare. 2️⃣ Zhoukou | Henan Many people pause when they hear Zhoukou, but it’s actually great for parents — fewer people, low cost, and plenty to talk about. Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum cultural tourism area is best in the morning. ⏰ Enter right when it opens at 8:30 AM. Morning light through the ancient cypresses felt like the temple fairs my mom remembered from childhood. Don’t just take photos of the row of old trees in front of the mausoleum — touch the bark, some are centuries old. Taiqing Palace is the hometown of Laozi. It’s not big, and two hours of slow wandering is enough. 📍 Enter from the east gate so you can see the main buildings without backtracking. ⚠️ Don’t rush to buy incense from roadside sellers — there’s a regulated incense service at the entrance with transparent prices. This place suits parents who still have good mobility and like hearing stories. 🍜 For lunch, find the original Xiaoyao Town hulatang shop and try it with shuijianbao (pan-fried buns). My dad said it tasted even more authentic than Zhengzhou’s. Tickets are inexpensive; buy on site and follow the official daily announcements. 3️⃣ Lingshui | Hainan Next to Sanya, Lingshui is one of those places where parents say they won’t go to the beach but don’t want to leave once they’re there. Fenjiezhou Island is best reached by an early ferry. ⏰ The 8 AM boat is the least crowded and the water is clear enough to see your feet. There are electric carts on the island; don’t force elderly relatives to walk the circular path. 📍 After disembarking, walk to the right — that rocky area is the most photogenic, but the rocks are slippery, so hold the handrail. Nanwan Monkey Island is best in the afternoon. The few minutes on the cross-sea cable car made my mom cling to my arm, but she wanted to ride again afterward. The monkeys aren’t afraid of people, so ⚠️ don’t carry plastic bags — they will snatch them. For culture, Lingshui has Danzhou fishing rafts. 🍜 At Xincun Port you can eat fish and shrimp straight off the boat. It’s ideal for parents who like a slow pace and don’t want to climb mountains. 🚄 It’s a 20-minute high-speed train ride from Sanya and much cheaper than staying in Sanya. 4️⃣ Linxia | Gansu I have to highlight this place because too many people don’t know how suitable it is for parents. At Liujiaxia Tourism Resort, take a boat on the Yellow River; the water is clear, not yellow — my mom filmed the whole time. ⏰ Board before 10 AM when the light is soft and the wind is gentle. 📍 To reach the Bingling Temple Grottoes you’ll transfer to a small boat; the ride takes about 1 hour, so give motion-sick guests medication in advance. The Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage site has grottoes carved into the cliffside with well-maintained walkways, so walking slowly is fine. ⚠️ Photos are not allowed inside the grottoes. Don’t take covert pictures — staff watch closely. 🍜 Try Linxia hand-pulled mutton and Hezhou baozi at a long-standing restaurant — tender meat and rich broth. This suits parents who enjoy culture and can handle the northwest’s dry climate. 🚄 It’s a 30-minute high-speed train from Lanzhou, and a day trip is doable. 5️⃣ Taizhou | Zhejiang Taizhou has dispersed sights but each one is worth visiting. With parents, plan just one spot per day. Tiantai Mountain is best in the morning. ⏰ Enter the mountain area at 7:30 AM when the mist hasn’t cleared. Guoqing Temple is especially peaceful then. 📍 The path from the mountain gate to the main hall is all gradual slopes, so you can push a wheelchair. ⚠️ Keep your voice down in temples — my mom almost got glared at by a monk. The Taizhou fu city cultural tourism area is best at dusk. Watch the sunset from the city wall, and try seaweed cakes and egg-white lamb-tail on Ziyang Street. 🍜 Eat seaweed cakes while they’re hot — they get hard when cold. Shenxianju is better for parents with good stamina; there’s a cable car up and down, and the Nantian Bridge section sways a bit, so ⚠️ don’t force it if you’re afraid of heights. It’s ideal for parents who like scenic mountains and rivers but don’t want steep hikes. 🚄 It’s about a 40-minute taxi ride from Taizhou West station to Linhai Ancient City. 6️⃣ Shangluo | Shaanxi A small town in the Qinling Mountains, great for summer cooling and autumn leaves — perfect for parents. Jinsi Gorge is best in the morning. ⏰ Enter at 8 AM when the gorge is cool. Walking the full route takes about 3 hours on mostly level boardwalks. 📍 Enter from the north gate and exit the south gate to avoid backtracking. ⚠️ Stones get slippery after rain, so wear anti-slip shoes. Tianshu Gorge is wilder and suits parents who like quiet. Manchuan Guan Ancient Town is nice in the afternoon — bluestone streets and an old opera house; my mom sat for half an hour outside the Mule Team Guild Hall. 🍜 The Shenxian Ye liangfen in the old town is worth trying. Baita Temple is near Jinsi Gorge — glance if you pass by, no need to go out of your way. This area suits parents who can walk flat paths and enjoy natural scenery. 🚄 Take a high-speed train from Xi’an to Shangluo station, then charter a car into the scenic area for the most convenience. 7️⃣ Huangnan | Qinghai Kanbula is my personal top pick to recommend for parents, but only if they’re not prone to motion sickness. 📍 Kanbula sits by the Yellow River. The Danxia landforms paired with blue water are ten times more striking in person than in photos. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM when mist still lingers, making the scene look like an ink painting. ⚠️ Mountain roads have many curves. If someone gets car sick, use motion sickness patches — don’t tough it out. The park has viewing platforms and boardwalks; two hours of slow walking is enough. My mom stood on a lookout and said, "This trip was worth it" — I still remember that. At the foot of the mountain there are farmhouse restaurants; ga mianpian and hand-pulled meat will fill you up. Follow official daily announcements for ticket prices and opening times. Book in advance for peak season. Suitable for parents who can handle long drives and love vast, dramatic scenery. 8️⃣ Wuzhong | Ningxia I saved Wuzhong for last because it’s seriously underrated. The Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon Scenic Area won’t tire parents. ⏰ Enter the scenic area after 3 PM and take a boat through the canyon — the cliffs on both sides turn golden in the sunset. 📍 The 108 pagodas are right on the shore; there aren’t many steps, so climb slowly. ⚠️ It’s windy on the boat — bring a jacket for older family members. 🍜 Wuzhong’s morning-tea la mian is a hidden gem. Find an old shop in the morning: a bowl of hand-pulled noodles with eight-treasure tea — my dad said it’s even cozier than Lanzhou’s. This suits parents who like northwest noodle cuisine and can accept a dry climate. 🚄 It’s a 20-minute high-speed train from Yinchuan, and about a 30-minute taxi to the scenic area. These eight places all move at a relaxed pace — no rushing, no forced marches. Pick one for National Day and take your parents. Which one would you most like to visit? Share in the comments.

When traveling with kids in October, the biggest worries are crowds and heat. Choose the right place, and you can avoid both. The destinations below offer perfect autumn vibes, are easy to walk around, and have plenty for kids to see. 1️⃣ Zhoukou | Henan The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone is very comfortable in October. The park has many trees, providing shade after a short walk. ⏰ It is recommended to arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid crowds and make it easier to push a stroller. 📍 The ancient cypress trees on both sides of the central axis of the mausoleum area are great for kids to run around, but do not let them touch the incense burners. Taiqing Palace is not far away. The atmosphere in the hometown of Laozi is relatively quiet, making it suitable for older children to listen to stories. ⚠️ It is recommended to check the official opening hours for both locations in advance, as they sometimes close after 4:00 PM. 🍜 For lunch, you can find a Huimian (braised noodle) restaurant in the Huaiyang urban area. A bowl of noodles and a side dish will be enough to fill up a child. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Zhoukou East Station to Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum. It is recommended to take a taxi directly between the two spots, as the bus route is indirect. 2️⃣ Xianning | Hubei The Chibi Ancient Battlefield is great to visit in October. The river breeze is gentle, making it much more comfortable to walk around than in summer. 📍 The path from Fengchu Hermitage to the cliff carvings is the most worth walking. Kids can see the real river and stone walls. ⏰ The light hitting the river is best after 3:00 PM, but do not stay until 5:00 PM, as the attraction closes early. ⚠️ Some paid activities inside are a bit expensive, such as archery and the replica ancient boats. If you are with kids, ask for the price before deciding. 🍜 After leaving the attraction, you can head to the Chibi urban area and find a fish cake restaurant. The local fish cake is soft and easy for kids to eat. 🚄 It takes about 30 minutes by taxi from Chibi North Station. It is recommended to call a taxi in advance for the return trip, as there are fewer cars in the evening. 3️⃣ Ningde | Fujian There is a high probability of seeing a sea of clouds at Taimu Mountain in October, but do not push to climb it with kids. 📍 It is recommended to take the short route from Yingxian Terrace to Yipianwa. The steps are gentle, and kids can walk the whole way themselves. ⏰ The clouds and mist are best from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and will dissipate later. Baishuiyang & Yuanyangxi are suitable for older children to play in the water, but the water is cold in October. ⚠️ Do not let kids go into the water barefoot; bring a pair of non-slip shoes. Xiapu Beiqi mudflats and Xiapu mudflats are best visited in the evening. 📍 Go to Beiqi for the sunset and the mudflats for the light and shadows. The two spots are not far apart. 🍜 You can have a seafood noodle meal in Xiapu County, but ask for the price before ordering. 🚄 There are shuttle buses from Ningde Station to Taimu Mountain. For Xiapu, it is recommended to take a high-speed train directly to Xiapu Station to save time. 4️⃣ Mianyang | Sichuan The Beichuan Qiang City Tourism Zone is not crowded in October, making it suitable for a slow walk with kids. 📍 The Qiang Folk Customs Museum is an indoor spot that can be visited even if it rains. Kids will be interested in the Qiang embroidery and watchtower models. ⚠️ The whole area is quite large. It is recommended to take a sightseeing bus to the core area and then walk, otherwise, kids will get tired halfway. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM, have a bowl of Qiang-style minced meat noodles nearby for lunch, and leave before 2:00 PM to avoid the peak return traffic. 🚄 It takes about an hour by taxi from Mianyang Station. It is recommended to drive or charter a car, as public transport connections are inconvenient. This is suitable for children over five years old who can walk a certain distance on their own. 5️⃣ Linxia | Gansu The Liujiaxia Tourist Resort has a stable water level in October, making it a great time to take a boat and see the autumn scenery on both banks. 📍 The short boat route starting from Daba Pier is most suitable for kids, as they may not be able to sit still for a long time. ⏰ The 10:00 AM boat has good light and less wind. The Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourism Zone requires a boat ride to enter. ⚠️ Buy boat tickets and admission tickets separately and confirm the schedule in advance so you do not arrive at the pier and find there are no boats. There are many steps in the grottoes, so use your own judgment if you are carrying a child. 🍜 You can have hand-grabbed lamb and Hezhou steamed buns in Linxia city, which are suitable for kids. 🚄 It is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Lanzhou. It is recommended to stay in Linxia city and set off early the next morning. 6️⃣ Changsha | Hunan Tianxin Pavilion and Yuelu Mountain are both suitable for October, but do not try to cram them into the same day. 📍 Go to Tianxin Pavilion in the morning to see old Changsha from the city wall. Kids will be curious about the artillery batteries. ⚠️ Yuelu Mountain is crowded on weekends. It is recommended to enter from the East Gate, take the cable car up, and walk down. The Provincial Museum must be booked in advance. ⚠️ It is closed on Mondays. If you cannot get a booking, switch to Tianxin Pavilion. Huaminglou is in Ningxiang and is suitable for a separate half-day trip. The rice fields are golden in October, and kids can watch the harvest. 🍜 You can have a bowl of rice noodles on your way down from Yuelu Mountain, but do not eat at the entrance of the attraction. 🚄 A combination of subway and taxi is the most convenient. The museum and Tianxin Pavilion are close to each other and can be visited on the same day. 7️⃣ Panjin | Liaoning The Red Beach Scenic Corridor is at its reddest in October, making it perfect for a trip with kids. 📍 There are sightseeing buses along the entire corridor. It is recommended to take the bus to the furthest point and then walk back, so kids do not have to walk the whole way. ⏰ The light is slanted after 3:00 PM, making the red color more vibrant, but it is windy. ⚠️ Bring a windbreaker for your child. 🍜 You can eat river crab and cattail shoots in Panjin city, but crab is considered "cold" in traditional medicine, so let kids eat less. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Panjin Station to Red Beach. It is recommended to drive yourself, as waiting for buses in the corridor is time-consuming. This is suitable for children over three years old who can sit still on a sightseeing bus. 8️⃣ Harbin | Heilongjiang October in Harbin is not yet the ice and snow season. You will have to wait until after December for the Harbin Ice and Snow World. ⚠️ Do not go in October expecting ice sculptures, as you will be disappointed. Volga Manor has beautiful autumn scenery in October. 📍 The Russian-style architecture paired with yellow leaves is great for kids to run around and take photos. Saint Sophia Cathedral is best visited in the evening. ⏰ The lights come on after 5:00 PM, and kids will enjoy feeding the pigeons in the square. 🍜 You can try a Modern popsicle on Central Street, but it is cold in October, so do not let kids eat too much. 🚄 Taxis are convenient in the city. For Volga Manor, it is recommended to charter a car or drive, as there are few bus services. When traveling with kids in October, choosing the right place is more important than rushing to see attractions. Zhoukou and Changsha are suitable for slow walks, Ningde and Panjin are for enjoying nature, and remember to wait until winter to visit Harbin. Which destination do you most want to take your kids to?

When traveling with parents, the biggest fears are rushing and the heat. These 8 destinations are cool in summer, have a slower pace, and are easy to walk around, making them perfect for a leisurely retirement trip. ⏰ Before leaving in July or August, check the latest local weather forecasts and attraction announcements. Mountain areas have large temperature differences between day and night, so don't forget a light jacket. 1️⃣ Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Hunan Phoenix Ancient Town is best visited in the evening. ⏰ After 5:00 PM, the light by the Tuojiang River is soft, the stilt houses are clearly reflected in the water, and parents can walk on the stone paths without being in the sun. 📍 From the North Gate Pier, walk along the river to Hongqiao Bridge. The whole walk takes about 20 mins, and there are stone benches along the bank if they get tired. Dehang Canyon and Aizhai Bridge can be visited on the same day. See the canyon in the morning and head to the Aizhai Bridge observation deck in the afternoon. ⚠️ The canyon is humid and the steps can be mossy, so make sure seniors wear non-slip shoes. 🚄 There are shuttle buses from Jishou East Station; avoid driving into the narrow roads. Shibadong Village is great for a slow walk. The village is small with flat stone paths, suitable for seniors with limited mobility. 🍜 Have a bowl of rice noodles in the village for lunch, but ask for less spice in advance. For accommodation, we recommend staying in downtown Jishou, as it is quieter than inside the ancient town. 2️⃣ Shaoxing | Zhejiang The Lu Xun's Native Place and Shen Garden area is best for a morning visit. 📍 Walk in from Lu Xun Middle Road and visit the Three Flavors Study and Baicao Garden at a leisurely pace. ⚠️ The Shen Garden night tour requires a separate ticket; it is easier to visit during the day. Lanting is outside the city and is best for the afternoon. The bamboo forest provides shade, and the area around the winding stream is cool. 🚄 It takes about 30 mins by taxi from the city center, and it is also accessible by bus. This is great for seniors who enjoy calligraphy and viewing stone tablets. Save Anchang Ancient Town for the evening. 🍜 Sausages and soy-sauce ducks hang from the covered corridors, and you can watch pulled sugar candy being made on the spot. ⚠️ It is crowded on weekends, so it is more comfortable to visit on weekdays. For accommodation, choose the Yuecheng District, which is close to all these spots. 3️⃣ Lijiang | Yunnan Lijiang Ancient Town is worth staying in for at least one night. 📍 Enter from the Water Wheel and walk slowly along Sifang Street; don't try to climb Lion Hill right away. ⚠️ The stone paths in the ancient town are difficult for luggage, so choose an inn near the entrance. For Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, consider the seniors' health. ⏰ Go in the morning when the cable car lines are shorter. ⚠️ The altitude is high. For seniors with heart or lung conditions, we recommend only going to Blue Moon Valley and avoiding the big cable car. 🚄 There are special shuttle buses from the ancient town; book tickets in advance. Heilongtan Park and Mu Mansion can be combined into a half-day trip. Visit Heilongtan to photograph the reflection of the snow mountain, and Mu Mansion to see the architecture. 🍜 Have cured pork rib hotpot for lunch; the broth is light and suitable for seniors. For accommodation, choose Shuhe, which is quieter than Dayan. 4️⃣ Meizhou | Guangdong Yannanfei Tea Garden is best visited in the morning. ⏰ Before 9:00 AM, the mist in the tea garden hasn't cleared yet, making it great for photos and cool for walking. 📍 Walk a loop from the tea garden observation deck along the boardwalk; the slope is gentle and manageable for seniors. The pace here is slow. 🍜 Have Hakka cuisine in the scenic area for lunch; the stuffed tofu and braised pork with preserved mustard greens are soft and tender. ⚠️ The scenic area is large, so we recommend buying sightseeing car tickets; don't make seniors walk the whole way. It is better to stay in downtown Meizhou and come over the next day. 🚄 It takes about 40 mins by taxi from Meizhou West Station. Summer in eastern Guangdong is muggy, so ⏰ try to avoid the noon heat and bring plenty of water. 5️⃣ Mudanjiang | Heilongjiang Jingpo Lake is a top summer escape. ⏰ In July and August, there is a cool breeze on the lake, and the Diaoshuilou Waterfall has a high water volume. 📍 Enter from the North Gate, see the waterfall first, and then take a boat; this is the most logical order. Mudanjiang city is suitable for a one-night stopover. 🍜 Try Korean cold noodles and dog meat soup (or bibimbap if you prefer). ⚠️ It is cool by the lake in the morning and evening, so long sleeves are a must. 🚄 There is a tourist shuttle from Mudanjiang Station to Jingpo Lake, which takes about 1.5 hours. This is suitable for seniors who are still mobile and can handle the ride. Accommodation in the lake area is average, so we recommend returning to the city to stay. 6️⃣ Shangrao | Jiangxi Sanqingshan is a bit challenging for seniors. ⚠️ There are many steps, and the cable car ride also requires some physical effort, so assess your ability accordingly. ⏰ Go up the mountain in the morning, as it tends to get foggy in the afternoon. 📍 The Nanqingyuan line is a classic route. Wuyuan Jiangwan and Huangling should be visited separately. Huangling is best for autumn, but in summer, you mainly visit for the ancient village. 🚄 There are shuttle buses from Wuyuan Station to Huangling. ⚠️ The line for the Huangling cable car is long, so go early. Guifeng is relatively easy. 📍 Take a boat to see the Danxia landforms; there is little walking, making it suitable for seniors. 🍜 Have Yiyang rice cakes for lunch. For accommodation, choose downtown Shangrao or Wuyuan county for easier transfers. 7️⃣ Shangluo | Shaanxi Jinsixia is great for summer. ⏰ The canyon is several degrees cooler than the outside, and it is most comfortable to enter in the morning. 📍 Enter from the Ludumen gate and walk along the boardwalk with the sound of water accompanying you the whole way. ⚠️ Some sections are slippery, so hold onto the railings. Tianshuxia is more niche, less crowded, and quiet. It is suitable for seniors who want to avoid crowds. 🍜 Have ganmianpi (cold skin noodles) and hutangmian (thick soup noodles) in downtown Shangluo. 🚄 It takes about 1 hour by high-speed train from Xi'an. Manchuanguan Ancient Town and Baita Temple can be combined into a one-day trip. The ancient town is free to visit, and you can see the tower at Baita Temple. ⚠️ The ancient town is less commercialized and has fewer dining options, so bring some snacks. For accommodation, choose downtown Shangluo. 8️⃣ Zhoukou | Henan Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area is best for the morning. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8:00 AM to avoid crowds and stay cool. 📍 Walk in from the Wuchaomen gate; the central axis is flat and straight, which is also suitable for seniors in wheelchairs. ⚠️ Do not use your phone to take photos in areas where it is prohibited inside the halls. Taiqing Palace is in Luyi and is best for an afternoon visit. 🚄 There are shuttle buses from Zhoukou to Luyi, taking about 1 hour. 🍜 Have Luyi Mahu (millet porridge) and Kongji roast chicken for lunch. These two places are more cultural and historical, suitable for seniors who enjoy history. Summer in eastern Henan is hot, so ⏰ avoid the noon heat and drink plenty of water. For accommodation, choose downtown Zhoukou, as the conditions are better than around the scenic areas. If you really have to choose, Xiangxi and Lijiang are great for a first slow-travel trip with parents, while Shaoxing and Shangluo are the easiest on the legs. Check the weather and opening hours before you leave, don't overpack your itinerary, and leave time for a midday rest. Let us know in the comments which one you'd like to take your parents to first.

See the world with your kids this National Day — these 5️⃣ places teach more than textbooks 01 Tianjin When you bring kids to Tianjin, don't just chase the trendy check‑in spots. 📍 The Italian-style neighborhood is best in the evening. After the lights come on around Marco Polo Square, the buildings look like a pop-up picture book. Kids can run freely and photos aren't crowded. ⚠️ It gets hot and exposed during the day, with little shade. Bring a hat. For the Five Great Avenues I recommend renting a family bike. Start from Minyuan Square and head west, pass Geda Building and Jingyuan, with sycamore shadows along the way. Kids in the rear seat can reach down and touch the low leaves. ⏰ Arrive before 9 AM for fewer people, less traffic, and fresher air. The Olympic Sports Center stadium is great for kids who like to run and jump—the outer plaza is perfect for letting them loose. Fantawild Adventure deserves a full day; the lines test patience more than any textbook, but avoid the two days before National Day, the crowds can be a dealbreaker. 🍜 Have lunch at Nanshi Food Street—jianbing and guoba cai are kid-friendly. Stay near Yingkoudao metro station for easy travel. 02 Yili | Xinjiang The Ili River valley in autumn is the kind of place that makes you want to take a deep breath as soon as you get out of the car. 🚄 Fly to Yining. Renting a car at the airport is most convenient. Don't rush with kids—keep daily drives under 3 hours. Karakoljun grassland is worth staying a night. In the evening, herders drive the sheep home and kids chasing the flock is more vivid than any nature class. ⚠️ Altitude is around 2,000 m. Older people and young children should walk slowly and avoid jumping. Turgen apricot blossom valley is mainly a spring attraction; at National Day it's mostly grass slopes, but horse rides are cheap—CNY 50 gets a circuit. Gongnaisi grassland is a good midway stop—throw stones by the river and watch cows drink; half an hour is enough. 🍜 In Yining city try shredded meat noodles and yogurt—kids can polish off a whole bowl. Stay in Yining city; avoid staying in tourist-area yurts, nights are cold and kids can catch a cold. 03 Zhoukou | Henan Before taking kids to the Taihao Fuxi mausoleum cultural park in Zhoukou, tell them some myth stories—otherwise they may think it's just old buildings. 📍 Walking the main axis of the mausoleum takes about an hour. There are many ancient cypress trees, and it's cool even in summer. Taiqing Palace is quieter. The hometown atmosphere of Laozi suits older kids who can understand the idea of "the highest good is like water." ⚠️ Don’t visit either site after 4 PM; the light fades quickly and photos suffer. Transport: a taxi from Zhoukou East station to the Taihao mausoleum takes about 40 minutes. Buses are slow; with kids it's better to take a taxi. 🍜 For lunch try Hu La Tang in Xiaoyao Town with oily fried flatbread on the side. Kids only need half a bowl; spice level is adjustable. Stay near Wuyi Square in Zhoukou city for easy evening strolls and many chain hotels with good value. 04 Meizhou | Guangdong Yannanfly tea fields in Meizhou are my pick for Guangdong's most underrated family spot. 📍 The tea fields lie at the foot of Yin Na mountain in layered green rows—kids running in feel like they've fallen into a matcha cake. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM while the mist lingers. Tea pickers carry bamboo baskets and kids can learn to pinch the tender buds. ⚠️ The tea terraces are steep. Wear non‑slip shoes and don't let kids wear Crocs. There are tea ceremony shows in the park about every half hour—kids can sit through them. 🍜 Have Hakka food at Weilong Restaurant for lunch—Meicai pork and stuffed tofu are musts; kids will eat more rice. Stay in a homestay in Yanyang Town to fall asleep to insect sounds and wake to birdsong. From Meizhou West station it's about a 30‑minute taxi; driving gives more flexibility—take it slow on the winding mountain roads. 05 Xi'an | Shaanxi In Xi'an, the Terracotta Army is a must, but don't stop there. 📍 The Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors Museum opens at 8:30 AM. Be in the first group; Pit 1 is less crowded then, and kids can lean on the railing to get a close look. ⚠️ No flash photography inside—tell the kids in advance. The Qinling Zhongnan Mountains are great for day two. Take the cable car up to Nan Wutai—autumn leaves cover the hills and the steps won't tire kids out. The history museum requires booking 3 days in advance; if you can't get a slot, visit Beilin Museum instead—you can still touch real stones. Rent a family bike on the city wall at dusk and ride from Yongning Gate to Hanguang Gate—an hour is just right. 🍜 For food, try meatball hu la tang and zenggao at Sajin Bridge—kids usually like them. Stay near the Bell Tower for fast access to Line 2. National Day is busy—visit the city wall and the Terracotta Army early. 06 Nanping | Fujian At Wuyi Mountain scenic area, the bamboo raft on Nine-Bend Creek is the least tiring option with kids. 📍 The raft departs from Xingcun Pier and drifts for 1.5 hours to Wuyi Palace. Kids can feed fish and see hanging coffins without getting bored. ⚠️ Raft tickets sell out—book 3 days in advance; it's rare to get them on the day during National Day. Tianyou Peak has steep steps—don't force young kids to climb; enjoy tea at Yunwo at the foot of the mountain and the view instead. ⏰ The 6:30 AM raft is the most pleasant—the mist hasn't lifted and the mountain looks like an ink painting. 🍜 For lunch try Langu smoked goose and Zixi noodles—mildly spicy and kid‑friendly. Stay in the Sangu resort area—it's a 10‑minute walk to the south entrance of the scenic area. From Wuyishan North station it's about a 20‑minute taxi. Avoid unlicensed cabs and touts selling fixed‑price deals. 07 Zhangye | Gansu Zhangye's Danxia landform is perfect at National Day—the late afternoon light hits at an angle and the colors are most saturated. 📍 Enter through the north gate and take the park shuttle to Viewing Platform 4—it's the best spot for sunset. ⚠️ Don't wear white shoes—the red soil stains are hard to wash out. The Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple is in town; the Western Xia reclining Buddha is huge and will quiet kids as they look up. Lizqian ancient city is a bit far and more commercial—skip it if time is tight. Matixi Temple is worth a visit; climbing the 33 Tian caves is a bit risky but older kids will enjoy it. 🍜 At Ganzhou Market try cuo yu noodles and small beef rice bowls—cheap and filling. Stay near Zhangye West station for easy train connections the next day. 🚄 It's about a 40‑minute drive from Zhangye West station to Danxia. A private car for round trip costs about CNY 150. 08 Zhoushan | Zhejiang Putuo Mountain scenic area in Zhoushan is crowded during National Day but worth it with kids. 📍 Enter from Duangu Pier, take the cable car up to the Buddha Peak, then walk down to see the South Sea Guanyin—about a 3‑hour route kids can finish. Gouqi Island and the Shengsi archipelago deserve an extra two days—take the ferry and kids seeing the sea for the first time will be thrilled. ⏰ At Jihu Beach in Shengsi, the tide recedes at dusk—perfect for collecting shells and small crabs. ⚠️ Buy ferry tickets in advance via the official WeChat account—it's hard to buy them on site during National Day. 🍜 At Shenjiamen night stalls, eat swimming crab and seafood noodles—kids eat the noodles, adults eat the crab. Stay on Zhujiajian for easy access to Putuo Mountain and the beaches. 🚄 From Ningbo station take a bus to Zhujiajian—about 2 hours. If driving, park at the pier and don't drive onto the island. Each of these 8 places will give kids material for a little essay when they get back. Which one would you most like to take your kids to? Share in the comments.

A Comprehensive Guide to Zhoukou for National Day Holidays ✨ Four Amazing Attractions! A Cultural Paradise That Will Leave You Speechless 🏮 It's not that famous mountains and rivers are unaffordable, it's that Zhoukou's cultural heritage offers better value! Want to avoid the crowds during National Day while still experiencing the solemnity of the Fuxi Ceremony, the tranquility of the vast Longhu Lake, the ethereal beauty of the Taoist ancestral home, and the elegance of ancient manors? Zhoukou, Henan, is definitely the top choice! This ancient city in eastern Henan, known as the "Ancient Capital of Fuxi and Hometown of Laozi," lacks the hustle and bustle of big cities, yet it hides the ancestral worship at the Taihao Mausoleum, the vast expanse of Longhu Lake in Huaiyang, the Taoist ethereal beauty of Laozi's hometown, and the late Qing Dynasty architecture of the Ye Family Manor. With clear autumn skies, fragrant osmanthus blossoms, and a relaxed pace, you can experience cultural ceremonies, stunning lakes and waters, Taoist culture, and ancient architecture all in one place! We've compiled a list of four must-see attractions in Zhoukou, local favorites with no disappointments. Perfect for history buffs, families, ancient architecture enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility and cultural enrichment. This comprehensive guide includes everything from best photo spots and National Day specials to tips for avoiding pitfalls. Just copy our National Day itinerary for your Zhoukou trip! ✅ 🏛️TOP 1 Taihao Mausoleum – The Ancient Capital of Fuxi | A Sacred Site of Ancestor Worship Your first stop in Zhoukou must be the "First Mausoleum Under Heaven," Taihao Mausoleum! Taihao Mausoleum is a mausoleum commemorating Fuxi, the legendary ancestor of the Chinese people. Located in Huaiyang, it boasts a grand scale and magnificent halls, earning it the title of "First Mausoleum Under Heaven." It has been a sacred site for emperors and commoners alike to worship Fuxi. Stroll through the ancient buildings, experience the sacrificial culture, and learn about the achievements of the ancestor. With its rich cultural heritage, it's an important place for understanding the origins of Chinese civilization! ✅Must-Visit Core Spots ▪️Taihao Mausoleum Temple: The Taihao Mausoleum complex is magnificent, with imposing halls such as the Wuchao Gate and Tongtian Hall, featuring carved beams and painted rafters, red walls and yellow tiles, exuding solemnity. A stroll through it allows you to feel the solemnity of this thousand-year-old sacred site, and every snapshot is a masterpiece of cultural significance. ▪️Tongtian Hall: The core hall of the Taihao Mausoleum, enshrining the statue of Fuxi. The hall is grand and exquisitely painted, serving as an important place to worship Fuxi and experience the culture of the ancestor, both solemn and awe-inspiring. ▪️Eight Trigrams and Fuxi Culture: The Taihao Mausoleum is closely linked to Fuxi culture. Visitors can learn about Fuxi's achievements in drawing the Eight Trigrams, creating nets, and establishing marriage customs, experiencing the wisdom of the ancestor of Chinese civilization. A visit allows you to learn about a thousand years of civilization while enjoying the rich cultural heritage. ▪️Huaiyang Clay Dogs: Huaiyang's clay dogs are a national intangible cultural heritage. With their simple shapes and vibrant colors, they are available to see and buy. They are a folk art carrier of Fuxi culture, allowing you to browse and find interesting folk items. 💡National Day Exclusive Travel Tips 1. Taihao Mausoleum is a popular attraction in Zhoukou. It's recommended to visit during off-peak hours, as it gets very crowded during holidays. 2. It's suggested to allow 2-3 hours for a combined visit to the ancient buildings, Tongtian Hall, and folk culture area. 3. When visiting the mausoleum and temple, please observe proper etiquette, refrain from loud noise, and respect the cultural relics. 4. This tour can be combined with visits to Huaiyang Longhu Lake and the Nigou (mud dog) culture to create a "Fuxi Culture Route." 🌊TOP2 Huaiyang Longhu Lake | Ten Thousand Acres of Water, Northern Water Town When visiting Zhoukou, be sure to experience the tranquil water town of "Ten Thousand Acres of Longhu Lake"! Huaiyang Longhu Lake, with its expansive, shimmering waters, is hailed as a "Northern Water Town, Pearl of the Central Plains." Islands dot the lake, and towns nestle on these islands, with lotus blossoms, reeds, and pavilions scattered throughout. In autumn, the lake sparkles, and the air is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus. Boating on the lake or strolling along its banks offers a tranquil and soothing experience; every snapshot is a picturesque scene from a traditional water town. ✅Must-Visit Highlights ▪️Longhu Lake (10,000 mu): Huaiyang Longhu Lake boasts vast, shimmering waters reflecting the blue sky. Boating on the lake, feeling the gentle breeze, and admiring the distant mountains, pavilions, and reeds reflected in the water offers a tranquil and soothing experience; every snapshot is a masterpiece of the water town. ▪️Lake Island Ancient Town: Islands dot the lake, and towns nestle on these islands. Ancient town ruins are reflected in the lake's shimmering waters. Take a boat to the islands or stroll through the ancient town, experiencing the unique layout of "the town in the lake, the lake in the town," where culture and water blend seamlessly. ▪️Lake Pavilions: Pavilions, terraces, and winding bridges are scattered across the lake. Stroll along, admire the lotus blossoms, and watch the fish from the railings. In autumn, the lake is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere—a perfect spot for relaxation, sightseeing, and photography. ▪️Lakeside Trail: Cycle or stroll along the lakeside trail. Reeds sway in the breeze, water birds frolic, and the lakeside scenery is enchanting. Breathe in the fresh air as you walk—a natural oxygen bar to cleanse your lungs, relaxing and healing. 💡National Day Travel Tips 1. It is recommended to allow 2-3 hours for Longhu Lake, combining a boat trip with a lakeside walk. 2. A boat trip is a must-do; check the boat schedule in advance. 3. It can be windy by the lake and cool in the mornings and evenings; a light jacket is recommended. 4. You can combine this with a visit to Taihao Mausoleum, exploring the ancient architecture first and then taking a lake tour—enjoying both cultural heritage and scenic beauty. ☯️TOP 3 Laozi's Hometown - Taiqing Palace | Taoist Ancestral Temple, Sacred Land of Celestial Charm When visiting Zhoukou, you must experience the Taoist celestial charm of "Laozi's Hometown"! Luyi County in Zhoukou is the hometown of Laozi, the founder of Taoism. Taiqing Palace is the ancestral temple of Taoism, commemorating Laozi. With its solemn halls, towering ancient trees, and swirling incense smoke, it is renowned as a "Taoist Holy Land." Stroll through the temple, experience Taoist culture, and explore the relics of the sage. In the tranquil autumn, it's a perfect place for quiet prayer and experiencing Taoist wisdom! ✅Must-Visit Highlights ▪️Taiqing Palace: Taiqing Palace boasts solemn and ancient halls with red walls and black tiles. It is the ancestral temple for worshipping Laozi and promoting Taoist culture. The swirling incense smoke and serene atmosphere make it a place to pray and experience the Taoist celestial charm—solemn yet peaceful. ▪️Laozi Culture: Luyi is the hometown of Laozi, where you can learn about his philosophy of "following the natural way" and "the highest good is like water," as well as the wisdom of the *Tao Te Ching*. Explore and learn about Taoist philosophy while enjoying the rich cultural heritage; it's a tranquil and rewarding experience. ▪️Ancient Trees and Steles: Taiqing Palace is filled with towering ancient trees and numerous steles, bearing inscriptions from emperors throughout history and other artifacts. Explore and learn about this thousand-year-old cultural heritage, feeling the weight of this Taoist holy site. Every snapshot is a masterpiece of ancient charm. ▪️Tranquil Experience: The Taoist temple offers a serene environment where you can sit quietly, enjoy tea, and listen to sutras, experiencing the tranquility of Taoist "wu wei" (non-action). Find peace of mind during your busy holiday; it's a unique slow-paced lifestyle in Laozi's hometown. 💡National Day Travel Tips 1. It is recommended to allow 2-3 hours for Taiqing Palace, combining the visit to the Taoist temple, Laozi culture, and ancient trees and steles. 2. When visiting the temple for blessings, please dress appropriately and respect Taoist etiquette. 3. The Taoist temple offers a tranquil environment, perfect for wearing simple/modern Chinese-style clothing and taking peaceful photos. 4. It can be combined with the surrounding areas of Mingdao Palace and Taiqing Palace to form a "Taoist Culture Route". 🏯TOP4 Ye Family Manor | Late Qing Dynasty Ancient Architecture, Central Plains Manor Tired of lakeside Taoist temples? You must visit Ye Family Manor to experience the ancient architecture of the Central Plains! Located in Xiangcheng, Zhoukou, Ye Family Manor is a grand manor built by the Ye family in the late Qing Dynasty. With its magnificent scale, carved beams and painted rafters, and exquisite layout, it is hailed as the "Number One Manor in the Central Plains". Stroll through the manor, admire the ancient architectural art, appreciate the elegance of the residences, and enjoy the fragrant osmanthus blossoms in autumn. Every snapshot is a masterpiece of ancient architecture, making it an excellent place to experience the folk culture of the Central Plains! ✅Must-Visit Highlights ▪️Manor and Ancient Building Complex: The Ye Family Manor boasts a grand architectural scale, with courtyards, halls, and pavilions arranged in a harmonious layout. Carved beams and painted rafters, upturned eaves, and blue-gray tiles create an exquisite design. Strolling through the manor, one can experience the grandeur of a late Qing Dynasty manor; every snapshot is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. ▪️Wood and Stone Carvings: The manor features exquisite wood and stone carvings. The beams, pillars, doors, and windows are delicately carved with auspicious patterns. Walk and appreciate the traditional architectural craftsmanship, marveling at the artisans' dedication and the profound cultural heritage. ▪️Manor Gardens: The manor's courtyards and gardens are lush with ancient trees and interspersed with flowers. In autumn, the air is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus. Strolling through the courtyards offers a tranquil and elegant experience, perfect for taking photos. ▪️Central Plains Folk House Culture: Learn about the architectural layout, customs, and rise and fall of the Ye family in a large late Qing Dynasty manor in the Central Plains. Explore the manor while learning about history and experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Central Plains folk houses. 💡National Day Travel Tips 1. It is recommended to allow 1.5-2 hours for the Ye Family Manor, combining the ancient buildings, wood carvings, and gardens for a comprehensive tour. 2. Wearing Hanfu/Modern Chinese style clothing is recommended for photos with the ancient buildings. 3. The manor is located far from the city center; driving or hiring a car is suggested. 4. Please respect the cultural relics and refrain from loud noise while visiting the ancient buildings. ✨Zhoukou National Day Travel Guide: A Complete Summary for Beginners ✔️Ancestor Culture Route: Taihao Mausoleum - Ancient Capital of Fuxi (Tongtian Hall + Fuxi Culture + Mud Dogs) ✔️Tranquil Water Town Route: Huaiyang Longhu Lake (10,000-mu Longhu Lake + Ancient City on Lake Island + Lakeside Trail) ✔️Taoist Charm Route: Laozi's Hometown - Taiqing Palace (Taiqing Palace + Laozi Culture + Ancient Trees and Steles) ✔️Ancient Architecture Route: Ye Family Manor (Ancient Buildings + Wood Carvings and Stone Carvings + Courtyard Gardens) ✔️Must-Try Foods: Huaiyang Daylily, Xiaoyao Town Spicy Soup, Taikang Beef, Luyi Daqu (a type of liquor), Zhangji Smoked Chicken, Zhoukou Noodles ✔ Outfit suggestions: New Chinese style/Hanfu is suitable for photos taken near ancient buildings and Taoist temples; light colors are suitable for photos taken near lakes. ✔️Essential items: Light jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, power bank, camera ✔️Travel pace: Zhoukou focuses on its cultural and historical sites, offering a relaxed pace and emphasizing a "slow travel experience rooted in Taoism." You should definitely visit Zhoukou! Go pay homage to the First Mausoleum of Fuxi, the legendary ancestor of Taoism. Explore the vast expanse of Longhu Lake in Huaiyang. Visit the Taoist ancestral temple, the birthplace of Laozi. Stroll through the late Qing Dynasty buildings of the Ye Family Manor. This cultural city, the birthplace of Fuxi, is perfectly beautiful for National Day! 🏮

Traveling with seniors during the National Day holiday is stressful when it involves rushing and waiting in lines. I've picked 8 places where you can walk slowly, sit down, and enjoy good meals. Limit it to 2 spots a day, and make sure to leave time for a nap. 01 Xilingol League | Inner Mongolia Summer and early autumn are most comfortable in Wulagai Grassland; the grass covers your ankles, and the breeze is cool. Don't take parents on horse-riding activities; it's too bumpy and hard on the back. 📍 The boardwalk at Bulin Spring Scenic Area is flat; you can see the spring in 20 minutes, making it suitable for seniors with average mobility. ⏰ The light softens after 4 PM, making it great for photos without glare. There's no shade on the grassland, so it gets dizzyingly hot at noon. 🍜 Choose the rib section for the hand-grabbed lamb; it's tender and easy to chew. Pair it with a bowl of milk tea to cut the grease. Portions at town restaurants are large; 2 jin is enough for 3 people. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland can be 15 degrees, so pack a light down jacket for your parents. If driving, fill up when the tank is half empty, as stations are far apart. Ticket prices and opening hours are subject to official daily announcements. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi Taibai Mountain and Guanshan Grassland offer different experiences. For Taibai Mountain, take the cable car to Tianyuan Difang, and let your parents wait at the viewing deck for the rest of the way—don't force them to climb. 📍 The Famen Temple Buddhist Culture Scenic Area has flat ground and is wheelchair accessible, perfect for a slow stroll. Guanshan Grassland is at a high altitude, so bring a coat if visiting in summer. The pass at Dongshanfeng is very windy; take a couple of photos and leave, don't stay long. 🍜 The saozi noodles at the farmhouses at the foot of the mountain are sour, spicy, and appetizing, with thin noodles that are easy for seniors to digest. The hand-rolled noodles are on the harder side, so skip them if they have dental issues. ⚠️ The queue for the Taibai Mountain cable car is long; arriving before 8 AM can save you an hour. Famen Temple and Taibai Mountain are not in the same direction, so don't plan them for the same day. Ticket prices and opening requirements are subject to official daily announcements. 03 Yichun | Jiangxi The Mingyueshan Tourism Zone focuses on hot springs and bamboo forests, naturally setting a slower pace. Take your parents up the mountain by cable car, walk the flat section of the Qingyun Boardwalk, and see the Yungu Waterfall without climbing stairs. ⏰ It's best to visit after rain when the waterfall volume is high and the bamboo forest is vibrant green. Even on sunny afternoons, the mountains are cool, about 5–6 degrees lower than in the city. 📍 You can soak your feet by the ancient well in Wentang Town for CNY 10 per person; your parents can sit there all afternoon. The selenium-rich vegetable hearts in town are sweet and fresh; order a plate to try. ⚠️ Don't let seniors walk on the outer side of the boardwalk when it's wet. The cable car stops running at 5 PM, so plan your descent accordingly. Ticket prices and reservation rules are subject to official daily announcements. 04 Yueyang | Hunan Yueyang Tower, Dongting Lake, and Junshan Island can be combined into one day, but don't overdo it. Visit Yueyang Tower in the morning; there aren't many stairs, and admission is free for those over 70. It's windy on the third floor while looking out at Dongting Lake, so hold onto your parents' hats. 📍 Bianhe Street is right next to the tower; eat the Dongting Lake "huitou" fish there for lunch—the meat is tender and has few bones. Take a boat to Junshan Island in the afternoon; it's shaky, so take motion sickness medicine beforehand if needed. ⏰ Return to Yueyang Tower at dusk to watch the sunset; the lake turns golden red and looks ten times better than during the day. ⚠️ Don't buy the silver needle tea on Junshan Island at the entrance, as the price is inflated. There is an extra fee for the battery car on the island; if your parents can't walk, just take it. Ticket prices are subject to official daily announcements. 05 Baoting | Hainan Binglanggu and Yanoda are both rainforests but have different vibes. Binglanggu focuses on Li and Miao culture; the brocade weaving and boat-shaped houses are worth a slow look. 📍 The Intangible Cultural Heritage Village has seniors weaving on-site, and your parents might enjoy chatting with them. Yanoda is more nature-focused; don't take seniors on the water-trekking route as it's slippery. ⏰ It's cooler to enter Binglanggu in the morning; have bamboo rice in the scenic area for lunch. In the afternoon, go to Yanoda, take the battery car to Dream Valley, and walk the flat path to see the rainforest. 🍜 The coconut chicken in Baoting is light; dip the chicken in the small kumquat seasoning to whet the appetite. Buy rambutan on the roadside when it's in season; it's half the price of what you'll find in the scenic area. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the rainforest, so long pants and mosquito repellent are essential. It takes about 40 minutes by taxi between the two scenic areas. Ticket prices and opening requirements are subject to official daily announcements. 06 Yangzhou | Jiangsu Slender West Lake, Geyuan, and Heyuan can be done in 2 days. Enter Slender West Lake from the South Gate, take a boat to the 24-Bridge, and walk back to the West Gate—it saves energy. Go before 7 AM; the local seniors are all there doing Tai Chi, and the atmosphere is great. 📍 The rockeries in Geyuan are worth a close look, but there are many stairs, so let your parents wait below. The covered corridors in Heyuan are flat and suitable for wheelchairs. 🍜 Get to Yechun early for morning tea; the "San Ding Bao" (three-ingredient bun) and "tang gansi" (shredded dried tofu) are standard. The dry noodles are on the harder side, so switch to Yangchun noodles if they have dental issues. ⚠️ The queue for the Slender West Lake boat is long during the National Day holiday, so buy tickets in advance through official channels. Dongguan Street is crowded at night, so don't take seniors there. Ticket prices are subject to official daily announcements. 07 Zhoukou | Henan Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum and Taiqing Palace are both cultural sites; there's a lot of walking, but the terrain is flat. The mausoleum area of Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum has towering ancient cypresses and is cool even in summer; walk slowly with your parents and listen to the guide—it's more interesting than just taking photos. 📍 There is an old tree in front of the Taiji Hall in Taiqing Palace; sitting in the shade for a while is very comfortable. There are no stairs in the scenic area, so pushing a wheelchair is no problem. 🍜 The "hu-la" soup in Zhoukou is quite spicy; order a "two-mix" (half soup, half tofu pudding) for your parents to neutralize the spice. The Dengcheng pig trotters are soft and fall off the bone, suitable for seniors. ⚠️ The drive between the two attractions is about 1 hour, so don't schedule them too tightly. Incense and candles are expensive in the mausoleum area, so bring your own or buy them outside the mountain gate. Ticket prices and opening requirements are subject to official daily announcements. 08 Tongren | Guizhou Fanjingshan is a challenge for seniors, but it's doable if you choose the right route. Take the cable car to Wanbaoyan, then walk the boardwalk to Mushroom Stone. That section has steep stairs, so those with poor mobility should just stay near the cable car station and enjoy the sea of clouds. ⏰ Take the first cable car at 7 AM; it's less crowded and foggy, like walking in the clouds. After 10 AM, the fog clears, and you can see the Red Cloud Golden Summit. 📍 You can stay one night at Zhaisha Dong Village at the foot of the mountain; there's a bonfire in the evening, and your parents can just sit and watch—no need to dance. ⚠️ Tickets and cable car rides for Fanjingshan must be booked in advance; you basically can't buy them on-site during the National Day holiday. It's cold on the mountain, so bring a thick coat. Ticket prices and opening requirements are subject to official daily announcements. Of these 8 places, I most recommend taking your parents to Yangzhou and Yichun. One offers comfortable dining, and the other is easy to walk around. Where are you planning to go for the National Day holiday? Let's chat in the comments section.

You haven't really experienced the National Day holiday until you've visited these 8 spots. 1 Beijing Beijing during the National Day holiday is so crowded you'll question your life choices, but some places are unavoidable. You must book tickets for the Palace Museum 7 days in advance. ⏰ Rush in when it opens at 8:30 AM to get empty shots of the Hall of Supreme Harmony before the main crowds arrive. For the Summer Palace, I suggest entering through the North Palace Gate, hiking up Longevity Hill, and then taking a boat to the 17-Arch Bridge; this saves half the time compared to queuing at the East Palace Gate. At the Temple of Heaven, don't just visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests; head west to the ancient cypress forest, where local seniors play chess and walk their birds—it feels more like Beijing than the tourist spots. Visit Beihai Park in the evening; 📍 enter through the East Gate and walk along the lake to the White Pagoda. The sunset hitting the glazed tiles is worth the price of admission. ⚠️ The Palace Museum is closed on Mondays. Don't ask me how I know. 2 Qujing | Yunnan The rapeseed flower fields in Luoping aren't the main event during the National Day holiday—that's in February and March—but the Jiulong Waterfalls are perfect during the high-water season. ⏰ Arrive at the base of the waterfalls before 10:00 AM to see rainbows in the mist; after noon, when the tour groups arrive, you'll only see heads. The Jiulong Waterfalls have 10 levels; don't be silly and climb the whole thing. Take the cable car to the top and walk down; your knees will thank you. 🍜 Find a shop in the county town with a big pot out front, order a bowl of steamed rice noodles (er si), and add toppings and minced meat sauce. You can eat your fill for CNY 10. 🚄 It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Kunming to Luoping by high-speed train, and carpooling from the station to the waterfall group costs about CNY 30 per person. ⚠️ The rocks by the waterfall are slippery. Wear non-slip shoes; don't wear white sneakers. 3 Anqing | Anhui The wind on Tianzhu Mountain is the most unreasonable wind I've ever climbed in. For a National Day trip, arrive at the South Gate before 7:00 AM, take the cable car to Zhenyi Post, and then take the Mysterious Valley route. You'll be squeezing through granite crevices—if you're a bit overweight, you won't fit. The wind at the summit can turn your face into an emoji, but when the sea of clouds rolls over, you'll forgive everything. 📍 The flat path around Liandan Lake is suitable for seniors to walk slowly, while young people should head straight for Tianzhu Peak. 🍜 After descending the mountain, go to the Qianshan county town to eat mountain yam balls with pork. The balls, made from local sweet potato starch, are so chewy that your chopsticks can't even hold them. ⚠️ The weather on the mountain changes in an instant. Raincoats are more useful than umbrellas, and there's nowhere to hold an umbrella at the summit. 4 Hainan | Qinghai Don't be fooled by the name; this Hainan is in Qinghai. Visiting during the National Day holiday is perfect for catching the grasslands turning from green to yellow. The wind at the Riyue Mountain Pass is strong enough to blow prayer flags into a straight line. ⏰ After 4:00 PM, the light hits at an angle, making the wall of the Princess Wencheng Temple look great in photos. The Danxia landforms at the Guide National Geopark are half as crowded as Zhangye. 📍 Get off at the Ashigong Seven-Color Peak Cluster station and walk in for 10 minutes to enjoy a red mountain all to yourself. 🚄 It's about a 2-hour drive from Xining. You'll pass Laji Mountain on the way, which is at an altitude of 3,800 meters, so don't jump around. 🍜 Eat a bowl of ga mianpian (noodle pieces) in Guide county town. The broth is made from yak bone, and it leaves your lips sticky after you finish. ⚠️ The altitude is high, so don't wash your hair on the first day. 5 Zhoukou | Henan The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone is so crowded with incense during the National Day holiday that visibility is reduced. ⏰ Arrive before 8:00 AM to quietly view the Fuxi statue in the Tongtian Hall; if you're late, you'll just be pushed along by the crowd. Don't miss the yarrow garden in front of the mausoleum; that type of grass is only found here and in Huaiyang. The Taiqing Palace is in Luyi, the hometown of Laozi. 📍 It's said that drinking from the well in front of the Taiji Hall makes you smart. I drank it, but I haven't felt anything yet. 🍜 Buy a portion of Fangbudai roast chicken and compressed steamed buns in Huaiyang and eat them while walking; it's more reliable than the restaurants in the scenic area. 🚄 It takes about 1 hour to get from Zhengzhou to Zhoukou by high-speed train, and a taxi between the two spots takes about 40 minutes. ⚠️ Don't buy high-priced incense at the gate; you can get it for free inside. 6 Songyuan | Jilin Chagan Lake during the National Day holiday doesn't have winter fishing, but it does have a full fish feast and reed marshes. You have to take a boat to Jinchan Island. ⏰ The 2:00 PM boat has the fewest people. The lake is calm, and the reed catkins are blown into a golden carpet. 📍 Don't just ring the prayer bell on the island; ringing it 3 times is the rule. If you ring it too much, the locals will give you a strange look. 🍜 Eat the Chagan Lake fathead fish stew with vermicelli at a lakeside fishing village; it's one-third cheaper than in the scenic area, and the fish is caught fresh. 🚄 A taxi from Songyuan Station to Chagan Lake takes about 40 minutes, and carpooling costs about CNY 50 per person. ⚠️ It's windy by the lake during the National Day holiday, so bring a windbreaker; don't just wear a hoodie. 7 Shanghai The Expo area is now called the Expo Culture Park, and there are markets during the National Day holiday, but Yuyuan Garden is the disaster zone for crowds. ⏰ Enter Yuyuan Garden as soon as it opens at 9:00 AM to get photos of the Nine-Turn Bridge without people; after 10:00 AM, you'll only be able to photograph the backs of people's heads. The Guangfulin Relics are in Songjiang. In the underwater museum area, 📍 the light shines through the water into the exhibition hall after 4:00 PM, making it feel like you're looking at history from the bottom of a lake. Disney Resort tickets are expensive during the National Day holiday, but they add extra fireworks shows. ⚠️ Don't buy scalper fast passes; grabbing a Premier Access pass on the official app is more reliable. 🍜 Eat a bowl of Songjiang old-fashioned mutton noodles near Guangfulin; they're braised and sweet. 8 Taizhou | Zhejiang Guoqing Temple on Tiantai Mountain is surprisingly still quiet during the National Day holiday. ⏰ Go at 7:00 AM; the Sui plum hasn't woken up yet, and the Sui pagoda looks like an ink wash painting in the morning mist. The Taizhou Prefecture City Cultural Tourism Zone is the ancient city of Linhai. 📍 Climb the 198 steps at Lanxmen Gate to get onto the city wall, then walk to Ziyang Street to eat seaweed cakes—they're piping hot right out of the oven. For Shenxianju, I suggest taking the cable car from the South Gate and walking the Nantian Bridge loop. ⏰ After 3:00 PM, the clouds rise from the bottom of the valley, and the glass walkway feels like walking on clouds. 🚄 It takes about 20 minutes from Taizhou West Station to Linhai, and about 1 hour from Linhai to Xianju. ⚠️ The temperature at the summit of Shenxianju is 5 degrees lower than at the bottom, so bring a jacket. These 8 places are all worth visiting during the National Day holiday. If I really had to rank them, I'd personally put Beijing and Taizhou in the top two. Which one are you planning to hit?

When traveling with parents, the core rule is simple: take a car instead of walking, and take a boat instead of climbing a mountain. Choose the right places, and your parents will have a comfortable time without you having to support them every step of the way. The following 8 destinations feature flat routes and manageable pacing, perfect for a leisurely trip. 1️⃣ Songyuan | Jilin Chagan Lake is the easiest option for your parents' legs in Songyuan. The lake is vast and windy, and in summer, the temperature by the lake feels a few degrees cooler than in the city. It's best to arrive after 9:00 AM when the sunlight isn't too harsh. 📍 Jinchan Island is great for taking a sightseeing bus around the island. The walking sections are short, so it's not strenuous for seniors. The island offers wide views, and you don't need to climb high to take photos. 🍜 You can try stewed fish at the lakeside fishing villages. Ask about how they weigh the fish before ordering to avoid any surprises when paying the bill. ⏰ If you're visiting for the winter fishing in winter, wear a thick down jacket. The wind on the lake is harsh, so staying warm is more important than looking good. 2️⃣ Pingxiang | Jiangxi Wugong Mountain is famous, but you need to choose the right route when traveling with parents. Hiking the whole way isn't realistic, so it's recommended to take the cable car up the mountain and save your energy for the meadows at the summit. ⏰ There's a high chance of seeing a sea of clouds in the early morning, so you can plan for that if you're willing to get up early. Cable car queues can be long during holidays, so try to avoid the peak hours around noon. ⚠️ There is a large temperature difference at the summit, so bring a light jacket even in summer. If your parents have bad knees, it's recommended to take the cable car back down instead of forcing them to walk down the stairs. 📍 The hot spring town at the foot of the mountain is a good place to stay for a night. Soaking in the hot springs before heading back makes for a relaxing pace. 3️⃣ Kashgar | Xinjiang The Ancient City of Kashgar is perfect for a slow stroll. The streets are flat, and you can sit down for tea anywhere when you get tired. The old city has a rich atmosphere, with earth-yellow walls and blue doors and windows, making it great for photos. 📍 The alleys near the East Gate of the ancient city are full of local life, and the light is soft in the morning, making it perfect for a walk. If your parents can't walk much, you can take a sightseeing bus around the area. The Pamir Plateau and the Stone City are at higher altitudes, so assess your parents' ability before going. ⚠️ Altitude sickness varies from person to person. It's recommended to spend two days acclimatizing in Kashgar before heading to higher altitudes, and don't rush your itinerary. 🍜 The baked buns and pilaf in the ancient city are worth trying. The flavors are strong, so you can ask the restaurant to use less salt when ordering. 4️⃣ Baise | Guangxi HaoKun Lake is the most relaxing stop in Baise. The lake is calm, and the main activity is taking a boat tour, which requires almost no walking, making it especially suitable for seniors with limited mobility. 📍 Tongling Grand Canyon has many stairs, which can be difficult for seniors. It's recommended to just walk to the viewing platform and then turn back, rather than pushing to the end. Chengbi Lake is best visited in the afternoon. There is plenty of shade by the lake, and it's very comfortable to sit and enjoy the breeze. ⏰ Guangxi is hot and humid in summer, so try to avoid the noon sun and go out in the early morning or evening. ⚠️ The canyon is humid and the ground is slippery, so make sure your parents wear non-slip shoes, not sandals. 5️⃣ Zhoukou | Henan The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area is large but flat, and the main roads are wide, making it suitable for wheelchairs or slow walking. It's less crowded in the morning, making for a quiet visit. 📍 The architecture of Taiqing Palace is orderly, and the distances between courtyards are short, so seniors won't be tired after visiting. You can arrange to visit both places on the same day and take a taxi between them. 🍜 For breakfast in Zhoukou, you can try spicy soup with fried dough sticks. The flavor is quite spicy, so ask the shop to use less pepper. ⏰ Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. It's sunny in the afternoon in summer, so it's recommended to finish your visit in the morning. ⚠️ Guided tour services in the scenic area cost extra, so ask clearly before deciding whether to use them. 6️⃣ Longnan | Gansu Guan'egou is a great place to escape the heat in summer. The temperature inside the valley is much lower than outside, so bring long sleeves for your parents. Sightseeing buses can save you from most of the walking. 📍 Wenxian Tianchi is at a higher altitude with many winding mountain roads, so if your parents get carsick easily, have them take medicine beforehand. The color of the lake changes with the weather, and it looks best on sunny days. ⏰ July and August are the rainy season in Longnan. Check the weather before you leave; the mountain roads are slippery on rainy days, so it's not recommended to enter the valley. ⚠️ There are few dining options in the valley, so you can bring some dry food and water; don't count on being able to buy things whenever you want. 7️⃣ Handan | Hebei Guangfu Ancient City is a flat ancient city. You can take a sightseeing bus around the city walls, and the paths along the moat are flat, making it suitable for parents to walk slowly. The city is full of local life and isn't noisy. 📍 Wahuang Palace has many stairs, and you have to climb a section to reach the main hall. If your parents don't have much stamina, just enjoy the scenery at the foot of the mountain; don't force them to climb to the top. 🍜 In the morning in Handan, you can have a bowl of doumo (bean soup) with a sesame seed cake, which is light and easy to digest. ⏰ Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. It's sunny at noon in summer, so it's recommended to go out in the morning or evening. ⚠️ Some roads in the ancient city are under construction, so check the latest opening status before you go to avoid detours. 8️⃣ Weihai | Shandong Chengshantou offers wide views of the sea, and the boardwalks are flat, so it's not tiring for seniors to walk. ⏰ The light is best for watching the sunrise in the early morning, but it's windy by the sea, so remember to bring a jacket. 📍 Huaxia City is mainly indoors with gentle slopes, making it suitable for seniors with average mobility, and it's easy to walk around. You need to take a boat to Liugong Island, so prepare in advance if you get seasick. 🍜 Weihai seafood is fresh. Ask about the current price when ordering to avoid exceeding your budget when paying the bill. ⚠️ Boat schedules are affected by the weather, so confirm whether they are operating on the day before you set off. These 8 places have one thing in common: short routes, gentle slopes, and transport options like cars or boats. When traveling with parents, don't be too ambitious; one or two spots a day is enough. Stringing two or three places together along the way is much more comfortable than rushing around.

Don't want to deal with National Day crowds? 8 budget-friendly small cities, tested and approved 01 Garzê | Sichuan The biggest trap when visiting Western Sichuan during National Day is "winging it." The poplar forests in Xinduqiao just start turning yellow in early October, but accommodation prices can triple. Booking at least 20 days in advance is the bare minimum. 📍 The road from Xinduqiao Town toward Tagong has the best side lighting at 4:00 PM, so you won't have to fight for a photo spot. I recommend putting Mugecuo in the second half of your itinerary. It's easy to get tired once you gain altitude, so it's safer to explore lower areas for 2 days first to acclimate. ⚠️ Tickets and sightseeing buses for Daocheng Yading aren't cheap. The short route to Chonggu Meadow and Pearl Lake is manageable even with average fitness, but assess your stamina before attempting the long route. The glaciers and hot springs in Hailuogou are perfect for wrapping up your trip; a soak will keep your legs from getting sore. 🚄 There are direct buses from Chengdu Xinnanmen, or you can carpool for around 200 per person. This is suitable for early risers who don't mind long bus rides. If traveling with seniors, swap Yading for Mugecuo for a much more relaxed trip. 02 Hechi | Guangxi Hechi is one of those places that "isn't famous by name, but has wild scenery." The water at Jiudun Tianchuang is so clear you can see the aquatic plants swaying. ⏰ The light hits directly before 10:00 AM, making the colors most transparent. Diving enthusiasts will never want to leave, but even just taking off your shoes to wade in the water is fun enough for everyone else. Donglan's landscape is best enjoyed by slowly drifting on a boat; the karst peaks on both sides are denser than you'd imagine. For Sanli Yangdu, I recommend cycling. The riverside paths are flat, and bike rentals are around 30 per day. 🍜 Find a small shop in town at noon for a bowl of Du'an lamb rice noodles; the broth is so fresh you'll finish every drop. Visit Xiangbei Shangri-La after the rain, when the mist hangs on the bamboo, making it feel like you've wandered into someone's ink wash painting. ⚠️ Public transport to these spots is infrequent, so driving yourself or hiring a car is more convenient. It's perfect for a slow-paced 2–3 day trip if you want to escape the crowds and not rush your itinerary. 03 Lanzhou | Gansu Don't just treat Lanzhou as a transit hub in the Northwest; it's worth spending a full day here. Start your morning at the Provincial Museum. ⚠️ It's closed on Mondays. The original "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow" is here; reservations are free but you have to be quick to snag one. 🍜 Head into Dazhong Lane at noon for a bowl of beef noodles for 8; the chili oil is fragrant but not overpowering. Locals are particular about whether they want "thin" or "thick" noodles, so just follow their lead. Hike up Baita Mountain Park in the afternoon; Zhongshan Bridge will be right below you, and the Yellow River water flows by, unapologetically yellow. ⏰ Head up Baita Mountain after 6:00 PM to watch the sunset dye the entire river gold, then head down just in time to explore the Zhengning Road Night Market. For the milk egg fermented rice, look for the one with the white-bearded grandpa; don't buy from the knock-offs in the middle of the road. This is perfect for people on a tight budget who want to eat well; you can keep daily expenses under 150. 04 Zhanjiang | Guangdong The joy of Zhanjiang is straightforward: cheap seafood and plenty of sea breeze. Huguangyan is a volcanic crater lake. A loop around the lake is about 7 km. ⏰ Go in the early morning or evening; it's too sunny at noon. Renting a bike saves half the effort compared to walking. 📍 At the farm-style restaurants outside the East Gate of Huguangyan, boiled shrimp and sand worm congee are the local way to eat. You can get full for 60–70 per person. ⚠️ Don't sit down at the first restaurant you see at the scenic area entrance; walk 200 meters further in for more reasonable prices. Zhanjiang isn't a hotspot during National Day, so accommodation is much more affordable than in Sanya. It's suitable for families with children, as there are lawns by the lake for them to run around on. It's also great for people who just want to lie back and eat seafood. Spend half a day wandering around Chikan Old Street; the sweet soup shops under the arcade buildings charge 5 a bowl, which is more authentic than the trendy shops. 05 Beijing In Beijing during National Day, smart people go against the flow. Tickets for the Palace Museum are released 7 days in advance. ⚠️ If you can't snag one, switch to Beihai Park; the reflection of the White Pagoda is just as stunning. Enter the Summer Palace from the North Palace Gate to avoid half the crowds and head straight up Longevity Hill. The Temple of Heaven Park opens at 6:30 AM. Local seniors play chess and sing opera in the long corridor, which feels more authentic than the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. ⏰ After 3:00 PM, the light hits the Echo Wall at an angle, making it perfect for photos. Don't cram these four spots into 1 day; 2 days is just right. 🍜 For food, avoid the main street of Nanluoguxiang and turn into the side alleys for a bowl of zhajiangmian for 20. 🚄 The subway plus shared bikes is the fastest combination. Taking a taxi during National Day will leave you questioning your life choices due to traffic. This is suitable for people with good stamina who are willing to wake up early. Students, remember to bring your student ID. 06 Tongren | Guizhou Mount Fanjingshan is the place that requires the most "snagging" on this trip. ⚠️ Both tickets and cable car rides must be reserved in advance; there are basically no tickets available on-site during National Day. ⏰ Be in the first group to enter the mountain at 7:00 AM for the highest chance of seeing the sea of clouds, and you'll cut your wait time for the Red Clouds Golden Summit in half. The full hike takes about 4–5 hours. The steps are steep, so if you have bad knees, I recommend taking the cable car both ways. 📍 Mushroom Rock is the iconic photo spot, but the real beauty is the stone forest you see looking down from the Old Golden Summit. The temperature on the mountain is 8 degrees lower than at the base, so bring a jacket. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, head back to downtown Tongren for shefan and mung bean noodles; they're sour, spicy, and appetizing. This is for people willing to wake up early for a sea of clouds, not for those who just want a relaxing stroll. If your fitness is average, just stick to the cable car section and don't push yourself to do the whole thing. 07 Nanchang | Jiangxi Nanchang is underrated; Pavilion of Prince Teng is worth a trip on its own. ⏰ Climb the pavilion after 5:00 PM; the sunset over the Gan River really matches the line "the sunset glow and the lone duck fly together." The ticket isn't expensive, and if you can recite the "Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng," you can even get in for free—it's worth a try. 📍 After coming down from the pavilion, walk along the river to Qiushui Square; there's a fountain show at 8:00 PM. 🍜 Wanshou Palace's clay pot soup and mixed noodles are the standard pairing. The noodles are 3 and the soup is 5; this is the authentic way to have breakfast. ⚠️ Wanshou Palace is empty during the day but crowded at night; visit at off-peak times if you want a comfortable meal. Nanchang's subway is convenient, and staying near Bayi Square makes it easy to get anywhere. It's perfect for students on a budget who want to see the river view; you can eat and play for less than 150 a day. Save half a day for the Jiangxi Provincial Museum; the porcelain exhibition is top-notch. 08 Zhoukou | Henan Zhoukou is one of those places you "didn't expect to visit, but won't regret coming to." For the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone, ⏰ go in the morning when it's quiet and less crowded, with ancient cypress trees all around. The yarrow garden in front of the mausoleum is a bit of trivia—don't step into it. Taiqing Palace is a bit far from the city center, 🚄 about a 40-minute taxi ride. It's suitable for those interested in Laozi's culture. ⚠️ Public transport between these two spots is inconvenient, so I recommend carpooling or driving yourself. The tickets aren't expensive; it's a case of spending a little to see deep history. 🍜 Head back to the city for a bowl of Xiaoyao Town hot and sour soup with fried pancakes; you can get stuffed for 10. It's suitable for travelers who like peace and quiet and don't like joining the crowds. You don't need to rush here; a slow half-day is enough, and there's almost no queuing during National Day. These eight places—Garzê for mountains, Hechi for water, Lanzhou for noodles, and Zhanjiang for the sea—each have their own ways to save money. If you want to save money and avoid crowds during National Day, picking two or three to string together is the most comfortable way to travel. Which one do you want to visit most? Let me know in the comments.

The biggest fear when traveling during National Day is emptying your wallet and ruining your mood at the same time. I went through my tickets and bills from the past few years and filtered out 8 places where you can spend less without compromising on the experience. No sugarcoating here—I'll call it like it is. Just pick one and go. 01 Honghe | Yunnan The sunrise at Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces is worth the price of admission, but only if you can get up early. ⏰ Arrive at the Duoyishu Viewing Platform by 6:30 AM; if you're late, you'll only see the backs of people's heads. Buy tickets through official channels in advance; the on-site lines will make you question your life choices. Jianshui Ancient Town is great for an afternoon stroll. 📍 Walk along Lin'an Road to Chaoyang Tower, then turn into the alley next to Zhu Family Garden. Grilled tofu is 50 cents a piece—mix your own dipping sauce. ⚠️ As for those "century-old residence" courtyards in the ancient town, just pick 1 to see; don't go into all of them, the layouts are all the same. During National Day, the terraces have just been flooded, so the mirror effect is at its best, but the mountain roads are winding—if you get carsick, take medicine beforehand. Staying in Xinjie Town is half the price of staying inside the scenic area, and it's only a 20-minute taxi ride up in the morning. It's fine for seniors and children to walk the viewing platform boardwalks, but don't push it on the hiking trails. 02 Jinzhou | Liaoning Mt. Yiwulü is quite famous in Liaoning, but there are fewer people during National Day than you'd expect. Tickets aren't expensive, and the one-way cable car saves you a 40-minute climb. I recommend hiking up and taking the cable car down—your knees will thank you. ⏰ Arrive at the mountain gate before 9:00 AM; the light on the stone steps is beautiful, but after noon, you'll be shooting against the light and everything will be a silhouette. 📍 The smoothest way is to take a train from Jinzhou city center to Goubangzi, then take a taxi. Don't trust the navigation app telling you to take the bus—waiting 1 hour is common. 🍜 You must eat Goubangzi smoked chicken after coming down the mountain; the shops near the station are more honest than the ones at the scenic area entrance. ⚠️ Supply points on the mountain are scarce and expensive, so bring your own water. It's windy at the summit during National Day, so bring a jacket—the girls who went up in skirts were basically shivering. It's suitable for walking slowly with parents; the steps aren't too steep. 03 Lishui | Zhejiang I suggest splitting Yunhe Rice Terraces and Jinyun Xiandu into 2 days. Watch the sunrise at Yunhe and the afternoon light and shadows at Xiandu; trying to cram it into 1 day just means sitting in a car until your legs go numb. Yunhe Rice Terraces are golden during National Day. ⏰ Get to the Jiuqu Yunhuan Viewing Platform by 5:30 AM to grab a spot. There's a combo ticket for admission and the scenic shuttle bus, which is cheaper than buying them separately. 📍 Stay at a homestay in Chongtou Town; the owner will tell you which small path to take to avoid the shuttle bus fee, but I don't recommend it—it's pretty awkward if you get caught. Dinghu Peak is the signature spot at Jinyun Xiandu. You have to queue for the photo spot at Zhutan Mountain where the old farmer leads the ox across the bridge, ⚠️ but actually, before 7:00 AM, no one is there to stop you, so you can shoot whatever you want. Qingtian Shimen Cave is relatively off the beaten path, and the waterfall flow is decent during National Day—it's suitable for people who don't want to deal with crowds. Renting a car at Lishui High-Speed Railway Station is the most convenient option; you can't afford to wait for the bus. 04 Lhasa | Tibet Flights to Lhasa during National Day are cheaper than in summer, but altitude sickness won't spare you just because it's cheaper. Don't schedule any attractions for the first day; just lie in your hostel and drink water. That's my experience for saving money and saving your life. You must book tickets for the Potala Palace in advance. ⚠️ During peak season, tickets sell out in seconds. If you can't book 1, just walk the outer kora (pilgrimage path), or take the same photo as the one on the 50-yuan note for free at the Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform. Sunbathing in front of Jokhang Temple is free, and watching the people prostrating is more moving than entering the hall. A day trip to Namtso is too rushed; a 2-day, 1-night carpool costs about 300 per person. Staying in a tent by the lake is cold enough to make you question your life—bring a thick sleeping bag. ⏰ The light by the lake is softest after 3:00 PM, but the wind is strong enough to blow your hat into the lake. Buses in Lhasa city center are 1 yuan; use an app for taxis, and don't take unlicensed cabs. 05 Tai'an | Shandong Night climbing Mt. Tai is a staple National Day activity, but I advise you to think it through. The "Eighteen Bends" section is packed shoulder-to-shoulder; if the person in front stops to tie their shoelaces, the people behind can be stuck for 10 minutes. ⏰ Start from Hongmen at 10:00 PM and arrive at Nantianmen around 4:00 AM, just in time to wait for the sunrise. Don't rent a military-style overcoat at the foot of the mountain; it's not much more expensive at the summit, and carrying it up is a burden. ⚠️ It's around 0°C at the summit during National Day, so wearing a down jacket is no exaggeration—I've seen people go up in short sleeves and cry. Take the cable car and shuttle bus down; don't force yourself to walk, or your knees will be ruined. 📍 Drink "sa soup" (a local specialty) in Tai'an Old Street in the morning with fried dough sticks; they basically close up shop after 10:00 AM. Staying near the train station is cheaper than near Hongmen, and it's just a base fare taxi ride away. If you have average stamina, climb during the day or just take the cable car both ways—there's no shame in that. 06 Zhoukou | Henan The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone has tickets so cheap I checked 3 times. It's not crowded during National Day, making it comfortable to walk around—perfect for people who don't want to stare at the backs of other people's heads. ⏰ Go to Taihao Mausoleum in the morning and Taiqing Palace in the afternoon; the 2 places aren't far apart, and a taxi costs 20–30 yuan. 📍 There's an ancient cypress tree in front of the Laozi statue at Taiqing Palace that's great for photos, but don't climb it—⚠️ the staff watches closely, and the fine isn't worth it. 🍜 Drink spicy soup (hulatang) in Zhoukou city center; the main store in Xiaoyao Town has a line, but it's worth it—pair it with pan-fried buns. For accommodation, choose Chuanhui District; budget hotels are just over 100 yuan, and they don't really hike up prices during National Day. It's suitable for bringing seniors; the roads are flat, and there are chairs everywhere if you get tired. If you're driving, parking spaces are easy to find, which is better than many popular cities. 07 Jiujiang | Jiangxi I suggest choosing between Mt. Lu and Lushan West Sea. During National Day, the queue for the Mt. Lu cable car starts at 2 hours, while West Sea is relatively quiet, and the lake water is unbelievably green. Mt. Lu tickets plus the sightseeing bus aren't cheap, ⚠️ but you must buy the sightseeing bus ticket; walking between attractions will make you want to collapse. ⏰ Take the bus up the mountain before 7:00 AM to avoid tour groups. The Three-Tiered Spring has over 2,000 steps; it's easy to go down but hard to come back up, so know your limits. Lushan West Sea is best for the afternoon. 📍 Take a boat from Sima Pier and wander around the lake islands. 🍜 Eat radish cakes and stir-fried rice noodles in Jiujiang city center; there are many old shops near Simatou. Book accommodation for National Day in advance; hotels on Mt. Lu are expensive and old, so staying in Lianhua Town at the foot of the mountain is more cost-effective. Driving around the West Sea road is very comfortable, but bus frequency is low. 08 Yichang | Hubei For the Yangtze Three Gorges and Qingjiang Gallery, taking a boat is the main event during National Day. Just pick 1 between Three Gorges Tribe and Three Gorges Waterfall; I choose the waterfall—fewer people and more water, getting soaked is more fun than watching a performance. ⏰ The first boat for Qingjiang Gallery is at 8:30 AM; arrive at the pier half an hour early, or you'll be stuck with an extra seat. 📍 Take a bus from Yichang East Station to Changyang, then transfer to the pier; driving yourself is the easiest way. ⚠️ Don't buy the local specialties sold on the boat; they're half the price in supermarkets in the city after you get off. 🍜 Eat "cold shrimp" (a local dessert) and spicy oil noodles in Yichang; the street at Fusui Road has enough to keep you fed for 2 days. The Three Gorges Dam is free but requires a reservation—bring your ID. The river breeze is cool during National Day, so bring a light jacket. It's very suitable to take children on the boat; they can run around on the deck, but be careful not to lean on the railings. Of these 8 places, my personal favorites are Honghe and Yichang—1 for the sky, 1 for the water, and neither costs much. Where are you planning to go for National Day? Or if you have other budget-friendly hidden gems, drop them in the comments.

Don't want the crowds this National Day? These 8 low-budget small cities are a steal 01 Tianjin If you go to Tianjin during National Day, don't just line up for the porcelain houses and crosstalk shows. I suggest you spend a whole day along both banks of the Haihe River. You can walk and cover most attractions. ⏰ Start at 8:00 AM in the Italian-style district. There are fewer people and the side light is flattering, so the small mansions around Marco Polo Square look great in photos. 📍 After that, cross the river via Beian Bridge and stroll to the Five Great Avenues cultural tourism area. Renting a shared bike is much cheaper than taking a horse carriage. If you want something hot to eat, head to an established shop near Nanshi Food Street and try a jianbing and a serving of guoba cai. 🍜 Don't buy at the main gate — it's expensive and usually mediocre. The Olympic Sports Center Stadium is best visited at dusk. The outer plaza is free and good enough for night shots. Fantawild Adventure is more for families with kids; buy tickets online in advance, as buying at the gate can waste half a day. ⚠️ Some mansions in the Five Great Avenues are closed on Mondays, so don't pack your itinerary too tightly. 02 Zhoukou | Henan Zhoukou is low-key, but the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum cultural tourism area is worth a special trip. During National Day it's relatively uncrowded and easy to enjoy. ⏰ Arrive at Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum in the morning. The site is large, so wear comfortable shoes. 📍 Walk inward from Wuchao Gate. The ancient cypresses along the central axis are atmospheric and worth taking your time to see. In the afternoon, visit Taiqing Palace, in the area associated with Laozi's hometown. The two spots are close; a taxi costs about CNY 20. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Zhoukou East station, then transfer — it's about a 40-minute ride. Don't miss hulatang and Dengcheng pig trotters. Local small restaurants are more honest than the tourist eateries. ⚠️ The guides around the mausoleum often charge inflated prices; the information boards are enough. Best for travelers who like culture and dislike crowds. 03 Shaoyang | Hunan Langshan is Shaoyang's highlight, and National Day is perfect for the clear autumn weather. The Danxia landform against the rice fields makes for vivid colors. ⏰ Enter the park at 7:30 AM and choose either Lajiao Peak or Bajiaozhai first. If your fitness is average, pick Lajiao Peak — the climb is gentler and seniors can manage it. 📍 The steps on Tianyi Lane are narrow; don't shove when queuing. Stone surfaces are slippery after rain, so wear slip-resistant shoes. 🍜 At the foot of the mountain, Xinning blood-sauce duck and navel oranges are local specialties. The oranges come into season in October and are sweet. Choose a family-run guesthouse near the park entrance — it's simpler than commuting from the county seat. ⚠️ The cableway and the sightseeing shuttle charge extra. If you're on a tight budget, hike the whole route but allow two extra hours. Good for hikers and photographers. 04 Zibo | Shandong Zibo is more than just barbecue. Zhoucun Ancient Commercial Town is the underrated highlight, and it's less crowded during National Day than you'd expect. ⏰ Enter the ancient market after 3:00 PM; most tour groups have left and the streets are quiet. 📍 Wander the old alleys like Dajie and Sishi Street. With gray bricks and tiles, any photo works. Try shaobing, Zhoucun stew pot, and tofu box at the roadside shops. 🍜 Don't just queue at the trendy spots; step a few doors in and you'll find similar flavors for less. It's about a half-hour taxi from Zibo station. ⚠️ Some exhibition halls in the ancient market charge separately. Check what a combo ticket includes at the entrance to avoid double-buying. Good for strolling with parents and for couples taking photos. 05 Ya'an | Sichuan Bifengxia is Ya'an's signature spot, and National Day is great for escaping the late-summer heat. The gorge is several degrees cooler than the city, so bring a light jacket. ⏰ Do the canyon trail in the morning. The waterfall clusters have good flow and the air feels fresh. 📍 The panda base is on the other side. If you want to see pandas, go in the afternoon when they're more active. 🍜 Try Ya'an dada noodles and Ya fish. City eateries are more reliable than those outside the park. 🚄 Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Ya'an in about 1 hour, then transfer to the park. ⚠️ The canyon has many steps, so avoid the full route if you have knee problems. Tickets and the sightseeing shuttle are priced separately — check official notices in advance. Good for family outings to cool off and for solo relaxation. 06 Lanzhou | Gansu Lanzhou has the most convenient transport among these eight. During National Day, sit by the Yellow River, eat noodles, and enjoy a relaxed pace. ⏰ Start at the provincial museum in the morning. The original Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow is there. Admission is free but you must book in advance. 📍 After that, take a taxi to White Pagoda Hill Park and climb to see the Yellow River flowing through the city. For lunch, you must have a bowl of beef noodles. The local spots people recommend open at 6:00 AM and usually close around 2:00 PM. 🍜 Don't trust signs that claim to be authentic; go where the locals go. In the evening, walk the Yellow River promenade to Zhongshan Bridge — the light is best at sunset. ⚠️ The provincial museum is closed on Mondays and bookings fill up fast. Reserve at least 3 days in advance. Good for budget travel and solo trips. 07 Qianxinan | Guizhou Malinghe Gorge and Wanfenglin: one is dramatic, the other vast. This Guizhou route has fewer people, great scenery, and high cost-performance. ⏰ In the morning, explore Malinghe Gorge. The boardwalk clings to the cliff, and waterfalls crash overhead — it's refreshing. 📍 In the afternoon, head to Wanfenglin and rent an electric cart to circle the Bagua fields. The rice paddies turn golden in October. 🍜 Xingyi mutton noodles and shuabato are local breakfast staples. City shops are about half the price of tourist spots. 🚄 The high-speed train from Guiyang to Xingyi takes about 2 hours. ⚠️ The gorge floor is slippery — don't wear white shoes. Wanfenglin has many viewpoints; pick two or three or you'll get visual fatigue. Good for self-driving and photography. 08 Dalian | Liaoning Dalian's sea breeze is cool during National Day, and there are many sunny days. Jinshitan, Laohutan, and Xinghai Square can be covered in a day and a half. ⏰ Start at Jinshitan National Resort Area in the morning. The geological park's reef formations are worth seeing. 📍 In the afternoon, head to Laohutan Ocean Park. It's a must for families with kids — check show times in advance. In the evening, go to Xinghai Square to feed the seagulls and watch the cross-sea bridge light up. 🍜 Try menzi and seaweed buns. Don't eat at the seafood stalls inside the tourist areas — go near Heishijiao for more honest options. Tangli Lake Park is great for an early morning walk — it's quiet with few people. ⚠️ The coast is windy — bring a windbreaker in October. Suitable for families and couples, and it's budget-friendly.

Don't want crowds over National Day? These 6️⃣ low-budget small cities are a steal 01 Nyingchi | Tibet Is Tibet outrageously expensive during National Day? That's because you didn't head to Nyingchi. From Lhasa take the Yunnan–Tibet route into Nyingchi, 🚄 the high-speed train takes about 4 hours, fare just over CNY 100, saving about half compared with flying direct. October in Nyingchi is like a spilled palette. The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon's river starts to clear, the fir forests around Bomi show yellow and green, ⏰ before 10 AM when the mist hasn't cleared the chance of seeing Namcha Barwa is highest — wait it out and you'll be rewarded. At Basong Tso, don't just visit the lake island for a photo op. 📍 The viewing platform behind Jiebacun sees fewer people and shows the lake reflecting the snowy peaks, so quiet it feels private. Peak-season admission CNY 120, sightseeing vehicle extra. Follow the official notice for current prices. ⚠️ Accommodation in Nyingchi city is about 30% cheaper than near the scenic spots, and at night you can have a bowl of Tibetan noodles with sweet tea. Suitable for those not in a hurry and who don't mind some driving. Elderly people and children should be cautious about canyon hiking sections. 02 Jinan | Shandong Autumn in Jinan is softened by the springs. Come for National Day — CNY 500 gets you 2 days of fun, perfect for students. ⏰ Go to the east gate of Baotu Spring, "the First Spring Under Heaven," at 7 AM. There are fewer people and the spring bubbles, with the three spring vents gurgling — it's about 10 times quieter than at noon. Admission CNY 40, students half price. Remember to bring ID. Go up Qianfo Mountain after 4 PM. 📍 On the steps west of Lishanyuan the light slants in, so you can photograph the red leaves without a filter. ⚠️ The summit cable car often has long lines. If you're fit, take the winding trail; it takes about 40 minutes to reach the top. 🍜 Going down, on Furong Street don't buy the trendy skewers. Turn into Wangfuchizi Street, where a CNY 10 spiral fried pastry paired with sweet foam is the local way to eat. Stay near Quancheng Square; buses CNY 1 connect all the spots, and the taxi base fare is about CNY 9. 03 Tongren | Guizhou Fanjing Mountain limits visitors during National Day; book tickets in advance. 🚄 A bus from Tongren station to Jiangkou County takes about 1 hour, CNY 20. Don't trust touts outside the station. ⏰ Get into the mountain with the earliest group; arrive at the gate before 7 AM. The steps up to the Red Cloud Golden Summit are so narrow you can only squeeze by sideways, and lines start at 2 hours. If you're afraid of heights, just admire the mushroom rock at the foot of the mountain. ⚠️ The peak is about 8°C cooler than the base and October winds are strong; a light down jacket packed in your bag won't hurt. Round-trip cable car CNY 160, hiking up takes about 4 hours. Don't push it if your knees are bad. 🍜 Back in Tongren city, guoba noodles and shefan are local breakfast staples, about CNY 15 per person to eat your fill. Stay in Bijiang District; an evening stroll along the Jinjiang and a breeze will erase mountain soreness. 04 Songyuan | Jilin Chagan Lake isn't only for winter fishing. Visit Songyuan over National Day and you'll find so few people you'll wonder if you walked onto the wrong set. 📍 Jinchandao is on the east shore of Chagan Lake; the reeds turn golden in October. ⏰ Around 4 PM the light is softest, so you don't need to fight for a spot to shoot silhouettes. There's little commerce on the island — bring your own water and snacks. 🍜 The lake fish are hearty. Chagan Lake fathead fish is sold by weight — ask the price before ordering so market price doesn't catch you. About CNY 60 per person is enough for a good meal. ⚠️ It's about a 1-hour drive from Songyuan city to Chagan Lake, with few bus services. Carpooling or driving is recommended. Stay in Ningjiang District; budget hotels just over CNY 100, about half the price of lakeside guesthouses. Suitable for people who want a quiet 2-day stay and aren't chasing photo ops. 05 Zhoukou | Henan Zhoukou's historical sites aren't trendy but are worth seeing. Visit over National Day — CNY 300 is enough for 2 days. 📍 The Taihao Fuxi mausoleum in Huaiyang — enter before 9 AM. Ancient cypresses stand thick, incense mixes with the smell of cypress, and your pace naturally slows. Admission CNY 40; online tickets are CNY 5 cheaper. Taiqing Palace is in Luyi and is far from the city; 🚄 it's about 1.5 hours from Zhoukou East station. The ancient cypress in front of the hall grows in a twisted way and is worth standing to watch for a while. ⚠️ The two spots aren't in the same direction. Trying to do both in one day is rushed — split them into two days. 🍜 In town try hu la tang (spicy pepper soup); the Xiaoyao Town spot always has a queue, but roadside old shops are also good. A bowl is CNY 6 and goes well with a pan-fried bun. Stay in Chuanhui District; taxi base fare CNY 5, buses CNY 1. 06 Chongqing Is Chongqing packed during National Day? Head to the surrounding areas and leave the city center's crowds to others. Dazu Rock Carvings 🚄 about 40 minutes from Chongqing West station. ⏰ After 2 PM light hits Baoding Mountain and the gilded Thousand-armed Guanyin reflects beautifully compared with the morning. Admission CNY 110, audio guide CNY 20, worth it. Pick either Wulong karst or the Three Gorges. Wulong's Three Natural Bridges involve tiring walks but are cool in October and suit those in good shape. The Three Gorges involves long boat rides — choose it if you're traveling with elderly people. Jinyun Mountain is on the city's edge. 📍 Take the cable car up, have tea among the bamboo — CNY 20 for an afternoon ride. ⚠️ Accommodation in Wulong doubles over National Day; stay near Chongqing North station and take an early bus — it's more cost-effective. 🍜 Back in the city eat xiao mian (spicy noodles); don't focus on trendy shops — the stall under a residential building tastes the most authentic. A small serving (2 liang) is CNY 7. 07 Hainan | Qinghai Don't be fooled by the name — this Hainan is in Qinghai. Go over National Day for fewer people and wild scenery; CNY 800 can cover 3 days. 📍 The pass at Riyue Mountain is so windy it can blow your hat off. ⏰ Morning light is best, prayer flags flutter, and a corner of a distant snow-capped peak shows through. Admission CNY 50; riding a white yak for photos costs extra — ask before you go. The Danxia formations at Guide National Geopark are deeply red. With grasses yellow in October, the colors are even more vivid. 🚄 It's about 2 hours from Xining to Guide; the shuttle is CNY 30. ⚠️ At around 3,000m altitude, avoid running or jumping and skip showering on the first day. Stay in Guide town; CNY 150 gets a clean room. 🍜 Have a bowl of sheep-tripe noodles paired with brewed tea to warm you to your toes. Suitable for people who want to hide away and can handle a dry climate. 08 Tianjin Tianjin is a hidden low-budget option for National Day. City attractions are close together — buses plus walking get you everywhere. 📍 The Italian Style Area ⏰ go at 8 AM; Marco Polo Square is empty, then head to Five Avenues, rent a shared bike for CNY 15 and ride the whole afternoon. ⚠️ The carriage rides are expensive and go in circles, not recommended. The Olympic Sports Center Stadium looks great lit up at night and is good for a stroll. Fantawild Adventure is family-friendly but has long queues during National Day — buy a fast pass to save about 2 hours. Follow the official notice for current details. 🍜 For breakfast head to the northwest corner; don't add ham sausage to your jianbing — locals will shake their heads. Gaba cai with shaobing fills you up for CNY 8. Stay in Heping District; budget hotels along the subway line are just over CNY 200 and get you to any spot easily. These eight places have National Day airfares and accommodation cheaper than in popular cities. Pick one, book your tickets, and go. Which would you most like to visit? Say it in the comments.

These 8 destinations make your National Day trip worthwhile 1️⃣ Linxia | Gansu First, let's talk about Liujiaxia. It's about a one-hour drive from downtown Linxia. Just set your GPS to "Liujiaxia Tourist Resort." ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM. The water is calm, and the reflections are clearest. Taking a boat to Bingling Temple is the highlight. Boat tickets and grotto admission tickets are sold separately. Check official daily announcements for specific pricing. The grottoes at Bingling Temple are carved into the cliffside. The walkways are narrow, so take it slow if you're traveling with seniors. ⚠️ If you're afraid of heights, turn back at the middle level; the stairs above are steeper. The highlight is the Tang Dynasty Great Buddha. You'll get a sore neck from looking up, but it's worth it. For food, head back to the city center for hand-grabbed mutton paired with a bowl of Hezhou stir-fried noodles. 📍 There are many small eateries around Hongyuan Road; don't just settle for what's near the scenic area entrance. Hotel prices rise during the National Day holiday, so book in advance to save money. Great for first-time visitors to Northwest China. No need to rush; a day and a half is plenty. 2️⃣ Suizhou | Hubei I recommend setting aside a full day for Dahong Mountain. 🚄 It's about a 40-minute taxi ride from Suizhou Station to the scenic area entrance. There's also a tourist shuttle, but it runs infrequently, so plan accordingly. The ginkgo trees on the mountain are seasonal; they look best from late October to mid-November. ⏰ In the early morning before the fog clears, the golden light filtering through the trees is much better than the harsh midday sun. It takes about two hours to hike up to the main peak, Baozhu Peak. The steps can be slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. ⚠️ There are few supply points on the mountain, so carry enough water. The cable car line can be an hour long during the National Day holiday. If you're fit, just hike up. There are farmhouses at the foot of the mountain. Try the local stewed chicken with mushrooms; the broth is rich. Suitable for families with kids and light hikers. Those looking for a purely relaxing trip might find it tiring. 3️⃣ Guiyang | Guizhou I'd give Guiyang three days. Spend the first morning at Huaxi Park. It's free and where locals hang out, so don't expect anything too spectacular. 📍 Exit from the south gate and grab a bowl of Huaxi beef rice noodles with a marinated egg. In the afternoon, head to Qingyan Ancient Town. Check official daily announcements for admission ticket prices. The town is quite commercialized, but the city walls and back alleys are decent. ⚠️ Just browse the silver jewelry and rose candy on the main street; they're overpriced. On the second day, visit Tianhetan. It features a combination of caves and waterfalls; the boat ride is refreshing. On the third day, visit Gaopo Yunding Grassland, which is great for a road trip. ⏰ After 5:30 PM, the light on the grassy slopes is golden. It gets windy, so bring a jacket. The food is the highlight in Guiyang—try siwawa (vegetable rolls), changwang noodles, and laoguo (griddle pot). If you have a sensitive stomach, bring medicine. Great for groups of friends, but also solo-friendly. 4️⃣ Zhoukou | Henan The main reason to visit Zhoukou is the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Zhoukou East Station, then it's about a 30-minute taxi ride. The mausoleum area is huge; it takes two to three hours to walk through, so wear comfortable shoes. ⏰ Arrive right when it opens at 8:00 AM to avoid crowds and really feel the atmosphere of the ancient cypress trees. ⚠️ Don't trust the "fast tour guides" soliciting at the entrance. Just rent an audio guide yourself. In the afternoon, visit Taiqing Palace, the birthplace of Laozi. Most of the buildings are newly renovated, but the stone tablets and ancient wells are worth seeing. 📍 On Gongqian Street, you can find compressed buns and Dengcheng pig trotters. The trotters are savory and pair perfectly with the buns. This place is great for history buffs; those just looking for scenery might find it a bit plain. One day is enough; no need to stay two nights. 5️⃣ Zhoushan | Zhejiang Putuo Mountain is the heart of Zhoushan, but it gets very crowded during the National Day holiday. 🚄 First, go to Zhujiajian Wugongchi Pier to catch a boat. Book boat and admission tickets in advance through official channels. ⚠️ Accommodation on the island is expensive and limited, so many people choose to stay in Zhujiajian and make day trips. ⏰ The earlier you get to the island, the better. Boats before 7:00 AM are relatively less crowded. It takes a full day to visit the three major temples. The area around Bukenqu Guanyin Temple has expansive ocean views. Gouqi Island and Shengsi Islands offer a different experience and are worth staying an extra two days. 📍 You can catch small crabs at Jihu Beach in Shengsi after the tide goes out in the evening. A bowl of seafood noodles costs around 30 yuan, depending on the shop. If you get seasick, take medicine beforehand. Inter-island boat schedules are heavily affected by weather. Perfect for island lovers and photographers. 6️⃣ Baoshan | Yunnan Tengchong is the star of Baoshan. The "Big Boiling Pot" in the Volcano and Geothermal Scenic Area is always steaming. ⏰ Go in the morning when the steam is thickest for great photos. Hot spring pools have an extra fee; check official daily announcements for details. After taking the cable car up Yunfeng Mountain, there's still a steep flight of stairs. ⚠️ Be careful if you have bad knees. Heshun Ancient Town is worth an overnight stay; the laundry pavilions and rice paddies are peaceful in the early morning. You can walk on the floating grass mats at Beihai Wetland, and you'll see irises if you visit in the right season. 🍜 Don't miss Tengchong ersi (rice noodles) and tuguozi (earthenware pot stew). Make sure the ersi is freshly blanched. National Day is at the tail end of the rainy season in Tengchong, so bring an umbrella. Great for a slow-paced vacation, not for rushing from spot to spot. 7️⃣ Chengde | Hebei One day is definitely not enough for the Mountain Resort and the surrounding temples. 🚄 It's about a 15-minute taxi ride from Chengde Station to the Mountain Resort. ⏰ Enter through Lizheng Gate in the morning. Visit the lake area first, then head to the mountain area, and save the Outer Eight Temples for the afternoon. ⚠️ Battery-powered carts and boat rides in the resort are charged separately. Buy them if you want to save your legs, or walk if you want to save money. The Great Buddha at Puning Temple is worth seeing. Jinshanling Great Wall is in Luanping, far from the city center. I recommend setting aside a separate half-day for it. ⏰ The evening light on the bricks is perfect for photos, but it gets dark quickly on the way down, so bring a headlamp. 📍 You can stay at farmhouses at the foot of the Great Wall, but the conditions are basic. Great for history buffs and photographers. If traveling with seniors, use transport more and hike less. 8️⃣ Shanghai I'll give you two routes for Shanghai. One is the Old City route: Yu Garden and Guangfulin. Visit Yu Garden before 9:00 AM to avoid crowds. 📍 The line for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) by the Nine-Turn Bridge is long; try the side alleys instead. Guangfulin is in Songjiang. The underwater museum section is memorable. 🚄 You can get there by subway and bus. The other route is the Expo Park and Disney. The Expo Park now features the China Pavilion and a riverside walkway. It's free and great for an evening stroll. Disney is a battle during the National Day holiday. ⚠️ Get your Early Entry Pass and Standby Pass in advance, or you won't be able to do many rides in one day. Shanghai is great for everyone, but don't try to do too much. Two spots a day is the limit; subway commuting will eat up a lot of your time. Pick two or three of these eight places for your National Day trip. Don't be greedy, or you'll just end up in crowds. If you ask me which are the most worthwhile, I'd choose Tengchong and Chengde—one is slow-paced, the other is rich in history. Tell us where you're going for the National Day holiday in the comments.

Don't want to be packed in during National Day? These 6 off-the-beaten-path small cities hide the most comfortable autumn. 01 Longnan | Gansu Head northwest for National Day. Don't just fixate on Dunhuang. Longnan is hidden in southern Gansu. Autumn arrives early, and it's less crowded. ⏰ Head to Wenxian Tianchi first thing in the morning. The lake water is so blue it doesn't look like the Northwest, and the surrounding woods have started to change color. Early October is just the right time for the yellow-green transition. A walk around the lake boardwalk takes 2 hours, which is manageable even for seniors. ⚠️ Keep the altitude at Tianchi in mind. Don't run or jump, just walk slowly. Head to Guan'egou in the afternoon. The valley is full of waterfalls, and the light filtering through the leaves makes for great photos without filters. 📍 There is a shuttle bus from the entrance to the main scenic area. Don't try to walk it, save your energy for the scenery. 🍜 Find a farmhouse restaurant when you come out and order a bowl of potato jiantuan; it's hot and filling. For accommodation, it's recommended to stay in Dangchang County. Don't just stay near the entrance for convenience; it's cold at night and options are limited. During National Day, the valley has flow restrictions. Ticket and opening requirements are subject to the official daily announcement, so book 1 day in advance. 02 Zhoukou | Henan Zhoukou is the kind of city you could pass by 100 times without stopping. But if you want to avoid crowds during National Day, it's actually a great choice. Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone is quietest before 8:00 AM. There are many ancient cypresses in the mausoleum area, and when the autumn leaves fall, the stone path crunches underfoot. Don't rush to leave after visiting. There are small stalls nearby selling compressed buns for ¥2 each; they're delicious. Go to Taiqing Palace in the afternoon. This place has few tourists, and the ancient tree in front of the hall is worth seeing. 📍 It takes about 20 minutes by taxi from Luyi County. ⚠️ It closes at 5:00 PM. Don't arrive right at closing time. For food, find an old hulatang (spicy soup) shop in Zhoukou city and pair it with pan-fried buns. Xiaoyao Town hulatang is famous, but locals prefer the pot downstairs. Stay in Chuanhui District, and you can take a walk along the Shaying River at night. National Day room rates are much friendlier than in popular cities. 03 Alxa | Inner Mongolia If you want to see Populus euphratica trees during National Day, don't just crowd into Ejina. Alxa League covers a large area, and the Populus euphratica forest tourist area is still golden, with much more dispersed crowds. ⏰ The best viewing for Populus euphratica is only those 10 days or so, from early to mid-October. The morning light is slanted, and the leaves are translucent. 📍 From Bridge 1 to Bridge 8, focus on the reflections at Bridge 2 and the old trees at Bridge 4. ⚠️ Camel riding and off-road vehicles in the scenic area are charged separately. Ask for the price before getting on. Badain Jaran Desert is worth a full day. The sand dunes are high, and climbing up makes you pant, but the wind at the top makes it worth it. Don't force kids to climb; taking an off-road vehicle for sand bashing is easier. 🍜 Eat camel meat pies in town just to try something new. The temperature difference between day and night can be 20 degrees, so bring both down jackets and short sleeves. National Day accommodation is tight, so book in advance. Don't count on finding a place when you arrive. 04 Shangrao | Jiangxi Shangrao is the kind of place where the density of attractions is so high you have to make trade-offs. Don't be greedy during National Day. Choose either Sanqingshan or Guifeng. Go to Sanqingshan for strange rocks and a sea of clouds, or go to Guifeng if you want a more relaxed trip. ⏰ Take the cable car at Sanqingshan before 7:00 AM. If you're late, the queue will make you doubt life. ⚠️ Things on the mountain are expensive, so bring your own water and dry food. In Wuyuan, don't go to Jiangwan and Huangling on the same day. Huangling's "autumn harvest drying" is just right for National Day, with red peppers and yellow corn covering the drying racks, making it great for photos. 📍 There are fewer people going up the mountain after 4:00 PM at the Huangling cable car entrance, and the light is soft. Jiangwan is quieter, suitable for slowly strolling through old houses. 🚄 There is a high-speed train from Shangrao Station to Wuyuan, about 20 minutes. Stay at a homestay at the foot of Huangling mountain, and you can be in the first batch to enter the village in the morning. National Day room rates double, so book early. 05 Harbin | Heilongjiang Going to Harbin for National Day is not to see ice. The Ice and Snow World isn't open then, so don't get it wrong. Harbin in autumn is unbelievably comfortable. ⏰ Go to Saint Sophia Cathedral in the afternoon. The sunlight hits the red bricks, and when the pigeons fly, the atmosphere is perfect. 📍 After taking photos at the church square, stroll to Central Street and buy a Modern popsicle for ¥5. Volga Manor is worth a trip. Russian-style wooden houses plus autumn colors, few people and beautiful scenery. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from the city, so it's recommended to leave half a day. ⚠️ Some projects in the manor are charged separately. Check the guide map when entering. Most ice and snow-related venues in Harbin are not open during National Day, so don't come for ice sculptures. Eat a meal of guobaorou and red sausage, stay near Central Street, and stroll along the river at night. Harbin during National Day is a smart off-season choice. 06 Dali | Yunnan Dali is crowded during National Day? It depends on where you go. The ancient city and the Erhai lakeside are indeed crowded, but Xizhou and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple can give you a breather. ⏰ Go to Xizhou Ancient Town first in the morning. Arrive before 8:00 AM, and there's no one by the rice fields. 🍜 Eat the posu baba while it's hot; get one sweet and one savory. 📍 The wall at the corner building starts queuing for photos after 9:00 AM, so go early. Go to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in the afternoon, with Cangshan Mountain in the background, the light is good. Don't drive around Erhai Lake, it's jammed. Rent an electric scooter, take the Erhai West Road, and stop and shoot as you go. Take a boat to Nanzhao Folklore Island; there are relatively fewer people on the island. ⚠️ Random parking charges are common by Erhai Lake, so look for regular parking lots. Staying in Xizhou is quieter than in the ancient city, and National Day room rates are milder. Autumn in Dali is windy, so bring a jacket. 07 Sanya | Hainan Sanya during National Day is hot, but not to the level of being packed like sardines like during the summer vacation. Pick the right place, and it's still comfortable. Enter Daxiao Dongtian as soon as it opens in the morning; the seaside reefs with coconut groves are cool. ⏰ Finish touring before 10:00 AM to avoid the noon sun. 📍 The scenic area battery car is charged separately. If you have good leg strength, you can walk. Wuzhizhou Island and Yalong Bay, choose one. If you want to play water projects, go to Wuzhizhou Island; if you want to relax and soak in the sea, go to Yalong Bay. ⚠️ Wuzhizhou Island boat tickets plus admission tickets are not cheap, so buy online in advance. Tianya Haijiao is just two rocks, so skip it if time is tight. 🍜 Buy seafood at the First Market for processing, and remember to ask about the processing fee first. Stay in Dadonghai, it's convenient for travel. National Day hotel prices in Sanya are high, but still gentler than during the Spring Festival. Bring enough sunscreen, and don't push yourself. 08 Xi'an | Shaanxi Xi'an is definitely crowded during National Day, but it's worth it. The key is to avoid peak times. ⏰ Terracotta Warriors Museum, catch the first wave at 8:30 AM, or go after 3:00 PM. ⚠️ Don't hire unlicensed guides in the museum; rent the official audio guide. 📍 Pit 1 is the largest, so see it first. The Qinling Zhongnan Mountain is suitable for those who want to avoid people. Take the cable car up, and you'll see the autumn forest layered with colors. The History Museum must be booked in advance. If you can't book it, go to the Stele Forest. Go up the Xi'an City Wall in the evening, rent a bicycle, and ride a lap to watch the sunset. 🚄 The subway connects to most attractions, so don't take a taxi and get stuck on the road. 🍜 Just stroll around the Muslim Quarter, and go to Sajinqiao for food. Stay near the Bell Tower, it's convenient for strolling at night. Book Xi'an accommodation early for National Day. If you're late, only expensive options will be left. Which of these 8 places do you want to go to the most? I personally recommend Longnan and Alxa. They are autumn exclusives; miss them and you'll have to wait a year. Travel for National Day, book your tickets early, and don't delay.

A 3-day stay is just right. Don't rush through these 8 places. 1️⃣ Wanning | Hainan Shimei Bay and Riyue Bay: one is perfect for zoning out, the other for letting loose. ⏰ Head to Shimei Bay in the morning. The light hits the green forest at an angle, the beach is nearly empty, and the water is cool on your feet. 📍 Walk 200 meters south from the Guanhai Pavilion to find a rocky area. When the waves are small, you can see little crabs scuttling sideways. Go to Riyue Bay in the afternoon. Surf shops are concentrated on the street at the entrance. Board rental plus lessons cost about 200 to 300, which is friendlier than Sanya. ⚠️ Don't go into the water at noon. The UV rays can give you a nasty sunburn on the back of your neck. As for accommodation, hotels around Shimei Bay are quieter, while the guesthouses in Riyue Bay village are livelier. It's perfect for those who want to learn to surf without rushing between attractions. The waves are stable from November to March; summer is actually rainier. Check for the latest information. 2️⃣ Zhoukou | Henan Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone is best visited before 8:00 AM. ⏰ Morning light filters through the eaves of the Tongtian Hall, and the stele forest is so quiet you can hear your own footsteps. 📍 The row of ancient cypresses in front of the mausoleum is incredibly old. Don't just take photos, look up at the way the branches grow. Taiqing Palace is in Luyi, a bit far from the city center. 🚄 It's about a 1-hour drive from Zhoukou East Station. The birthplace of Laozi has a solemn atmosphere, perfect for a slow stroll. ⚠️ Don't try to cram both spots into the same afternoon, or you'll be exhausted. For food, hot and sour soup with fried dough sticks is the local breakfast staple, and the Xiaoyao Town style is on the spicier side. It's perfect for those interested in cultural heritage who aren't looking for thrills. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; it's muggy in summer, so remember to bring water. 3️⃣ Qianxinan | Guizhou Maling River Canyon and Wanfenglin have different vibes. You have to go down to the bottom of the canyon, and the boardwalks are slippery. ⚠️ After rain, the steps get mossy, so wear shoes with good grip. ⏰ Enter the canyon at 9:00 AM before the waterfall mist evaporates; there's a high chance of seeing rainbows. Wanfenglin is better in the afternoon. 📍 Rent a bike at the entrance of Nahui Village and ride along the field ridges with the Bagua Fields on your right. In February and March, the rapeseed flowers bloom, and the whole basin is a mix of yellow and green—that's its highlight. Stay in Xingyi city center for easy access to both spots. 🚄 Get off at Panzhou Station or Xingyi Station and transfer. Great for those who love karst landscapes and don't mind climbing. Seniors should pace themselves in the canyon; the forest is more accessible. 4️⃣ Laibin | Guangxi Dayao Mountain Panwangjie and Jinxiu Lotus Mountain are hidden deep in central Guangxi. Panwangjie is at a high altitude. ⏰ In the early morning, the sea of clouds surges like someone is boiling water in the valley. 📍 The viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk is so windy it could blow your hat off. Lotus Mountain is a different route, with thin, slender stone peaks that look like brush holders stuck in the ground. ⚠️ Signal is weak in the mountains, so download offline maps in advance. It's a top-tier summer retreat, but the summit frosts over in winter, so don't skimp on warm clothing. Stay a night in Jinxiu County and have a bowl of oil tea before heading up the mountain. Perfect for road trippers and those who enjoy quiet hiking. 🚄 Transfer to a bus at Laibin North Station to get to the mountains. Buses are infrequent, so leave early. 5️⃣ Yanbian | Jilin Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone is in Dunhua. ⏰ Go in the morning; the Zhengjue Temple complex spreads out along the mountain, and the golden roofs dazzle in the sunlight. 📍 There's a shuttle bus from the mountain gate to the summit for those who prefer not to walk. The atmosphere here is quiet, perfect for a slow, solitary walk. ⚠️ Don't speak loudly inside the halls, and check the signs before taking photos. Autumn, when the forest is ablaze with color, is its best season, while winter snow brings a different kind of stillness. For food, the cold noodles and barbecue in downtown Dunhua are solid choices. 🚄 It's a short taxi ride from Dunhua Station. Great for those seeking peace and interested in Buddhist architecture. It's easier for seniors to take the shuttle up and down. 6️⃣ Huzhou | Zhejiang Nanxun Ancient Town: don't just stick to the main street. ⏰ After 5:00 PM, the tourists disperse, the lights on the Baijianlou buildings come on, and the reflections on the water are even more beautiful than during the day. 📍 Walk east from the Zhang Shiming Former Residence; the narrower the alley, the more character it has. The lotus flowers at Xiaolian Manor bloom in summer; in autumn and winter, only the withered stems remain, which have a cool, stark beauty. ⚠️ Some former residences in the ancient town charge separate admission fees. Buy a joint ticket only if you need it, and don't just walk into every place you see. Have a bowl of noodles with two toppings, and take some orange-red cakes with you. Perfect for those staying overnight who aren't in a rush. 🚄 Get off at Huzhou Station or Nanxun Station, and it's a 10-minute taxi ride. The ancient town in the early morning belongs to the locals—go if you can get up early. 7️⃣ Fuyang | Anhui Balihe: a simple name, but a lot to offer. ⏰ Enter the park in the morning; visit the Bird Forest first, then the lake, for better lighting. 📍 The Twelve Flower Islands area is great for photos, but don't take portraits at noon under direct overhead light, or faces will look dark. The park is large, so rent a scooter to save energy. ⚠️ It's crowded on holidays, so check the performance schedule in advance to avoid missing out. It's perfect for families with kids, offering both amusement and nature. In Fuyang city, the Gelatiao noodles and pillow buns are worth a try. 🚄 It's about a 30-minute drive from Fuyang West Station. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit; in summer, there are many mosquitoes by the lake, so bring repellent. 8️⃣ Shanghai Shanghai is great for a short stay because you don't have to rush. Go to the Expo Park riverside promenade at ⏰ dusk to watch the boats go by. Arrive at Yu Garden before 9:00 AM to avoid the crowds, and buy two crab shell pastries from the old shop by the 📍 Nine-Turn Bridge. The Guangfulin Relics Park is in Songjiang; the underwater exhibition hall is interesting and great for those curious about archaeology. Dedicate a full day to the Disney Resort. ⚠️ Buy the early entry pass for popular attractions only if you need it, and don't just follow the crowd. It's directly accessible via Metro Line 11. For accommodation, staying along the metro line in the city center is the most convenient. It's suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Spring is when the plane trees sprout, autumn is the most comfortable, and remember to bring an umbrella during the rainy season. Ticket prices and opening arrangements are subject to official daily announcements. Of these eight places, picking two or three to stay in is more rewarding than checking off all eight. Which is your cup of tea: the sea breeze or the mountain mist?

Hey everyone! I've discovered a super underrated hidden gem—Zhoukou! 🙋‍♀️ An 8-day in-depth trip costs only CNY 4,300, which is an incredible value! 💥 Not only is it home to the "First Mausoleum in the World," but it's also the birthplace of Taoist culture. It has deep historical roots, is uncrowded, beautiful, and offers an amazing experience! 🥹 📜 **8-day cultural roots tour** 📜 🏯 **Day 1-2: Huaiyang District · Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone** 📍 Huaiyang District, the mausoleum of Fuxi, the legendary ancestor of humanity, known as the "First Mausoleum in the World"! Here, you can not only see the solemn Fuxi Mausoleum but also feel the charm of ancient civilization~ Strolling through the mausoleum park with its towering ancient cypress trees feels like traveling back to ancient times. Every photo you take is a masterpiece! 📸 📿 **Day 3-4: Luyi County · Laozi's Hometown Tourism Zone** 📍 Luyi County, consisting of two major areas: Taiqing Palace and Mingdao Palace. This is the ancestral home of Taoist culture, and the entire scenic area feels ethereal~ Whether you are looking for cultural roots or want to experience the Taoist lifestyle of tranquility and non-action, this place is perfect~ Standing quietly in front of Taiqing Palace for a moment, I felt my whole soul was purified! 🧘‍♀️ ⚔️ **Day 5: Zhoukou Guandi Temple Scenic Area** 📍 Built during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, it is the best-preserved and largest Qing Dynasty Guandi architectural complex in Henan! Walking into the Guandi Temple, with its red walls, green tiles, and carved beams and painted rafters, every detail reveals a sense of historical depth. There are also wonderful folk performances here; watching the shows while appreciating the beauty of the ancient architecture is super interesting! 👀 🦁 **Day 6: Zhoukou Wildlife World & Zhoukou Museum** In the morning, take the kids to the Wildlife World, which combines animal viewing, acrobatic performances, and mechanical amusement rides—a top choice for family trips! In the afternoon, visit the Zhoukou Museum, a national second-grade museum, to experience the 8,000-year civilization of eastern Henan. A must-visit to expand your knowledge! 🐘 🌸 **Day 7: Longhu National Wetland Park** 📍 Located in Huaiyang District, it is the largest city-encircling lake in the Central Plains! In summer, the lotus flowers in Longhu are in full bloom, breathtakingly beautiful! The lake ripples with blue waves, and the fragrance of lotus flowers fills the air—it's truly a fairyland on earth! Perfect for a relaxing vacation; I'd be happy to bring a picnic mat and lie by the lake all day! 🌿 🏮 **Day 8: Zhoukou "Lotus Ferry" cultural and tourism commercial district** 📍 Located in the central urban area of Zhoukou, it integrates elements of canal transport culture and industrial culture. This is the trendiest place in Zhoukou! You can experience the cultural heritage of old Zhoukou while enjoying new, trendy activities. It's the perfect spot for shopping, eating, and taking photos! 📸 🍜 **Must-eat food list in Zhoukou** 🍜 ✔ Xiaoyao Hu-La Soup - A breakfast staple, satisfyingly spicy! ✔ Luyi Mahu - A local specialty snack, rich and delicious ✔ Shenqiu Gujia Steamed Bun - Traditionally handmade, with an unforgettable aftertaste 💰 **Budget breakdown** CNY 4,300 can basically cover your accommodation, dining, transportation, and attraction tickets! It is recommended to plan your itinerary and book your accommodation in advance, and save some budget for souvenirs and special activities~ Take this guide and go unlock the hidden gems of Zhoukou! 🧳✨

Avoid the crowds during National Day? These 6️⃣ off-the-beaten-path towns are directly accessible by high-speed rail 01 Jiaxing|Zhejiang Most people flocking to Wuzhen and Xitang during National Day haven't considered the cost: the combined entrance fees to Dongzha and Xizha are enough to buy three meals of braised duck at Nanhu Lake. My suggestion is to save Xitang for the evening. ⏰ Enter Xitang after 4 PM. Tour buses will have left, and the covered walkways will finally reveal their true beauty. Sitting by the river, sipping a pot of smoked bean tea, and watching the lanterns light up is much more pleasant than queuing during the day for "empty" photos. I prefer the mornings in Dongzha, Wuzhen. 📍 The water market near Caishen Bay opens before 7 AM, with local grandmothers displaying their homegrown water chestnuts and water bamboo shoots before the tourists flood in. Xizha's night view is indeed beautiful, but accommodation prices double during National Day. It's better to stay in Tongxiang city center, a 20-minute taxi ride away. 🚄 Get off at Jiaxing South Station. There's a direct bus to Wuzhen, about 50 minutes. ⚠️ Xitang gets extremely crowded on weekends and holidays in the evenings. If you're traveling with elderly people or children, take the alleys north of Wolong Bridge to avoid the main street. 02 Tonghua|Jilin Tonghua's presence is largely overshadowed by Ji'an. But I must say, going to Ji'an to see the rapeseed flower fields during the National Day holiday is actually a bit late—the peak bloom is in July and August, and by October only a few scattered withered flowers remain, so don't have high expectations. What's truly worth spending time on are the Goguryeo cultural relics and historical sites. 📍 The General's Tomb and the Stele of King Gwanggaeto are in the same area. I recommend going in the morning, when the light shines obliquely on the stones, making the patterns particularly clear. Hire a guide, otherwise you'll just see a bunch of stones. In the city, the old factory area of ​​the Tonghua Winery is worth a visit. 🍜 In the morning, find a small restaurant and have a bowl of sour soup noodles with a side of braised beef—that's how the locals eat. ⚠️ Some sites in the historical area are closed for maintenance on Mondays. Check official announcements before you go. 🚄 High-speed rail directly from Tonghua Station. There are intercity buses to Ji'an, about an hour's journey. Suitable for those interested in history but who dislike crowds. 03 Gannan | Gansu During the National Day holiday in Gannan, the grass has turned yellow, but it's precisely this yellow that makes the stone city of Zhagana appear even more austere. I don't recommend going to Gahai Lake during the National Day holiday; the wind is strong enough to blow you away, and there are fewer water birds on the lake. You should stay overnight in Zhagana. ⏰ At 6:30 in the morning, stand on the viewing platform in Yeri Village and watch the morning mist slowly rise from the valley. At that moment, you'll forgive all the bumpy ride. In the afternoon, go to Fairy Beach; no need to ride a horse, just a leisurely 40-minute walk up. Langmusi is divided into Gansu and Sichuan sides; I prefer the Sichuan side, Galdan Monastery. 📍 A stream from the source of the Bailong River flows through the middle of the town. Sitting by the stream at dusk, listening to the water's sound, is even more therapeutic than visiting temples. 🍜 The yak yogurt at the Tibetan restaurants in town, sprinkled with white sugar, is so sour it's almost irritating. ⚠️ Traffic jams are common in the direction of Yeliguan and Gahai Lake during the National Day holiday; if driving, try to leave early. At an altitude of around 3,000 meters, the elderly and children should avoid strenuous running and jumping. 04 Chengde|Hebei The number of visitors to the Mountain Resort during the National Day holiday is better than in the summer, but it's not exactly "off-the-beaten-path." My strategy was: enter the resort as soon as it opens, take the mountain shuttle bus to Ermadao, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Little Potala Palace. ⏰ The mountain shuttle bus departs at 8:30 am; catch the first bus, and there's almost no one at the top. After descending the mountain, slowly explore the plains area; the reeds by the lake are just beginning to sprout. Among the surrounding temples, the Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue at Puning Temple is worth seeing, but there are many steps, so those with knee problems should be cautious. Jinshanling Great Wall was the most unexpected place in Chengde for me. 📍 From the brick piers to the East Five-Eyed Tower, the whole journey takes about two hours, much more spacious than Badaling. 🍜 At the foot of the Great Wall, a farmhouse restaurant served stewed chicken with mushrooms and cornbread; it warmed me up completely. 🚄 There's a direct high-speed train from Chengde South Station to Jinshanling, and a tourist bus takes about an hour and a half. ⚠️ The food inside the resort is expensive and mediocre; it's recommended to bring your own food and water. 05 Nujiang | Yunnan The Nujiang Grand Canyon during the National Day holiday was refreshingly cool after the rainy season. Arriving before 8 am, the misty village of Bingzhongluo was still shrouded in clouds and mist, like a painting hanging on the mountainside. ⏰ In the afternoon, go to Qiunatong and walk along the Nujiang River. The river water is grayish-green, and the sound is so loud you have to shout to talk. Nanjiluo is suitable for hiking enthusiasts, but some sections may be temporarily closed due to weather during the National Day holiday, so be sure to check road conditions before you set off. 🍜 The stone slab cakes and lacquer-oil chicken in Bingzhongluo Town are local Lisu dishes. Some people are allergic to lacquer-oil chicken, so try a small bite first. ⚠️ Gas stations are scarce along the Nujiang River, so if you're driving, fill up at any gas station you see. 🚄 Get off the high-speed train at Baoshan Station, transfer to a bus to Liuku, and then transfer to another bus to Bingzhongluo. The whole journey takes about six hours. Suitable for those who can travel by car and love pristine scenery; think twice if you're traveling with elderly people or children. 06 Bazhong|Sichuan The red leaves of Guangwu Mountain are actually too early to see during the National Day holiday. The best time to view the leaves is from late October to early November. During the National Day holiday, you'll only see a few scattered trees that have already turned red. However, the advantage is fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation. My suggestion: Go to Guangwu Mountain during the National Day holiday, focus on the mountains, not the leaves. 📍 The boardwalk along the Natural Gallery is very comfortable to walk on, with oak and maple trees on both sides and a stream flowing beneath your feet. The Dam Scenic Area is suitable for families with children; the path is gentle, and a complete loop takes about two hours. 🍜 The skewers and oil tea in Bazhong city are much more affordable than in the scenic area. A bowl of oil tea in the morning, sprinkled with dried glutinous rice and crushed peanuts, is savory and filling. ⚠️ The various scenic areas of Guangwu Mountain are far apart; driving is the most convenient option, as public transportation is infrequent. 🚄 There is a direct high-speed train from Bazhong Station, and tourist buses to Guangwu Mountain take about an hour and a half. This is suitable for those who are not fixated on the red leaves and just want a quiet place to walk. 07 Xinzhou | Shanxi Xinzhou is an underrated transit point. While Wutai Mountain is crowded during the National Day holiday, Yanmen Pass and Laoniu Bay offer a truly peaceful place to explore. I recommend visiting Yanmen Pass in the afternoon. ⏰ After 4 PM, the light shining on the brick walls of the pass casts a warm yellow hue. Walking from Mingyue Tower to the pass tower, and then climbing along the Great Wall to the beacon tower, takes about an hour and a half and is easier than expected. 📍 The border trade street below the pass sells mostly ordinary souvenirs; just take a look. Laoniu Bay is where the Yellow River meets the Great Wall. During the National Day holiday, the water level is stable, and a boat trip through the Yellow River canyon offers views of the loess fault lines on both banks. 🍜 The stewed mutton and oat noodles in Pianguan County are perfect for a cool day. ⚠️ Vehicle reservations are required to enter Wutai Mountain. During the National Day holiday, slots are limited, so book through official channels three days in advance. 🚄 High-speed rail directly from Xinzhou West Station; there are also special buses to Yanmen Pass. The three destinations are scattered, so driving or hiring a car is recommended. 08 Zhoukou | Henan Zhoukou is probably the least touristy city on this list. The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area has sacrificial performances during the National Day holiday, but honestly, visiting on a regular day allows for a more peaceful appreciation of the ancient cypress trees. 📍 The Xiantian Gate and Taiji Gate inside the Fuxi Mausoleum open at 7:30 AM; you can hear birds chirping. Taiqing Palace is located in Luyi, the birthplace of Laozi, about an hour's drive from Zhoukou city. Both are suitable for those interested in Taoist culture. 🍜 The spicy soup and Dengcheng pig's trotters in Zhoukou city are local favorites. The spicy soup is best enjoyed with fried dough sticks. ⚠️ There are few dining options around Taiqing Palace; it's recommended to eat in Luyi county before going there. 🚄 Direct high-speed train from Zhoukou East Station. The two attractions are located in different places, making a day trip perfect. Suitable for those who prefer tranquility and a relaxed pace. Of these eight small towns, I most want to revisit Zhagana and Bingzhongluo. One offers mountain views, the other the sounds of flowing water. For a reverse trip during the National Day holiday, don't try to do too much; choose one or two to spend time in slowly, which is more comfortable than rushing around. Where are you planning to go?

Taking parents on a National Day trip? These 8 places offer a relaxing, slow-paced experience 01 Lishui | Zhejiang When taking parents to Lishui, my first thought is: don't rush. At the Jiuqu Yunhuan viewing platform in Yunhe Rice Terraces, you can drive nearby and see the panoramic view after just a few steps. ⏰ Arrive before 7:00 AM. The mist hasn't cleared yet, the terraces look like they're just waking up, and parents can stand there to take photos without climbing slopes. 📍 The Qixingdun viewing platform has seats, making it easy to rest. In Jinyun Xiandu, Dinghu Peak has many flat paths. The stone path at Zhutan Mountain is okay for wheelchairs, but it's crowded on weekends, so ⚠️ enter before 8:00 AM for the most peaceful experience. Qingtian Shimen Cave requires a ferry; the boat rocks, so help seniors board and disembark slowly. 🍜 For lunch, have a Jinyun baked bun at the entrance of the Xiandu scenic area—get the preserved vegetable filling and eat it while it's hot. Hotel prices double during National Day, so book your guesthouse in advance; don't wait until the last minute. 02 Zhoukou | Henan Zhoukou is a stop many people skip when traveling with parents, which I think is a shame. At the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone, the row of ancient cypress trees in front of the mausoleum provides thick shade, so you won't be exposed to the sun even in summer. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM before the tour groups flood in, so you can view the stone inscriptions in peace. 📍 The steps in front of Tongtian Hall aren't steep, but the ground is old stone slabs, so wear non-slip shoes. Taiqing Palace is a 30-minute drive from the city center. It's the birthplace of Laozi, with large courtyards perfect for a slow stroll. 🍜 For lunch, have a bowl of Xiaoyao Town hot and sour soup. Get the "mixed" version—you can adjust the spice level, and parents usually find it palatable. ⚠️ These two spots don't have many indoor exhibition halls, so remember to bring water on hot days; don't count on being able to buy it everywhere. There are folk performances during National Day; check the scenic area's daily announcements for times. 03 Jiujiang | Jiangxi I advise against trying to see too much of Lushan. When with parents, focus on two routes: Ruqin Lake to Huajing. It's a flat, 20-minute walk that looks like an ink wash painting when the lake is misty. ⏰ Go after 4:00 PM for softer light and half the crowds. Lushan West Sea is great for a boat ride; the boats are stable, but it's windy on the deck, so bring a jacket for your parents. 📍 The Simamatuo Tourist Center has an elevator, so getting down to the boarding area won't strain your knees. ⚠️ The temperature difference between the top and bottom of Lushan can be 7–8 degrees, so bring a light down jacket even for National Day. 🍜 In the evening, head back to Jiujiang city for radish cakes and steamed rice cakes—street-side shops are more authentic than scenic area restaurants. Buy sightseeing bus tickets separately; don't trust roadside touts offering "private car service to skip the line." 04 Yanbian | Jilin Yanbian is naturally slow-paced. At the Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone, the view at the foot of the Golden Buddha is expansive. The electric shuttle takes you right to the steps, so parents only need to walk a dozen or so to reach the platform. ⏰ Go in the morning; the backlight isn't harsh, and portraits look better. 📍 The Buddhist Culture Museum has an elevator, so it's accessible even if mobility is limited. 🍜 Head down to Dunhua city for cold noodles. The buckwheat noodles are soft and the broth has ice chips—ask the shop to go easy on the spice for seniors. ⚠️ Yanbian is cool in the mornings and evenings during National Day, often below 10 degrees, so a jacket is a must. This place is perfect for parents who don't want to climb mountains and just want to stroll and enjoy the scenery. Two hours is enough for the whole trip; don't overschedule. 05 Huizhou | Guangdong I'll break Huizhou into three parts. For Huizhou West Lake, enter through Pinghu Gate and walk along the Su Causeway to Sizhou Pagoda. It's flat the whole way with plenty of shade, perfect for early morning. ⏰ At 7:00 AM, local seniors are already doing Tai Chi—the atmosphere is great. You need to take the cable car for Mount Luofu, but the line is long. ⚠️ Expect at least a 40-minute wait during National Day; bring a folding stool if your parents can't stand for long. For the sea at Xunliao Bay, the beach is gentle, but it's packed during National Day. 📍 Head south along Jinhaiwan Avenue for fewer crowds. 🍜 For kiln-roasted chicken and seafood porridge, go near the Gangkou Town market—it's cheaper than in the scenic area. If your parents dislike the sun and crowds, just stick to West Lake and Xunliao Bay and save Mount Luofu for next time. 06 Jingzhou | Hubei For the Jingzhou Ancient City Wall, I took my parents on the section from Binyang Tower to Jiuyang Tower. The brick surface is smooth, and there are stone benches every few hundred meters. ⏰ Go up at 5:00 PM; the sun isn't harsh, and you can watch the sunset over the moat. 📍 Exit at Zhang Juzheng Street and head straight into the old street. The Jingzhou lantern folk displays light up after 7:00 PM, with the highest concentration around Guandi Temple Square—a half-hour walk. 🍜 Eat fish cake and zaotang noodles. You have to go early for the noodles; many shops close after 10:00 AM. ⚠️ Some sections of the ancient city wall don't have railings, so don't let seniors stand near the edge for photos. The National Day lantern festival is crowded, so hold onto your parents so you don't get separated. This stop is great for seniors who enjoy the lively atmosphere of an old city. 07 Tangshan | Hebei For the Eastern Qing Tombs, I took my parents and we just used the scenic area shuttle bus to transfer between the five tombs, so we didn't have to backtrack. ⏰ Arrive at Yuling before 10:00 AM. The underground palace is open; the steps are steep but the handrails are sturdy, so it's fine if seniors go down slowly. 📍 The Danbi stone in front of Empress Dowager Cixi's tomb has intricate carvings that my parents really enjoyed looking at up close. For Nanhu/Kailuan, Nanhu Park is mostly flat; rent an electric cart and drive it yourself—you can cover most of it in an hour. ⚠️ The underground experience at Kailuan National Mine Park requires a reservation. Spots are limited during National Day, so book 3 days in advance. 🍜 In the evening, have Tangshan matang and geza—they're sweet, soft, and chewy, so even seniors with dental issues can eat them. 08 Hengyang | Hunan For Mount Heng (Nanyue), don't plan on reaching the summit with your parents. Take the scenic bus to Nantianmen, then walk the flat path to the foot of Zhurong Peak to see the sea of clouds—that's enough. ⏰ Take the first bus at 6:00 AM; if you're late, you'll be waiting in line for at least 2 hours. 📍 The Nanyue Grand Temple is at the foot of the mountain. It's flat and popular for incense offerings—parents usually love this atmosphere. ⚠️ Prices on the mountain are high—a bottle of water is CNY 8—so bring your own thermos. 🍜 After coming down, have Hengyang fish noodles—the broth is fresh and the noodles are smooth. Ask for mild spice in advance. Accommodation on the mountain is expensive and hard to book during National Day, so I recommend staying in Hengyang city and taking a taxi to the Grand Temple in the morning (a 30-minute ride). This stop is great for parents who are religious or want to see mountains without climbing. When traveling with parents, the pace is more important than the sights. Pick 2 or 3 of these 8 places, do 1 a day, and don't overdo it. Where do you most want to take them? Let me know in the comments.

8 Low-Budget Cities for Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Holidays – Less Crowded and More Relaxing 01 Baoding | Hebei In short, Baoding is underrated. The pine forests of the Western Qing Tombs are much quieter than crowded scenic spots; you can hear your own footsteps as you walk along the Sacred Way. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM. The sunlight filters through the ancient buildings at an angle, making it easier to take photos without having to fight for a good spot. The Western Qing Tombs are large, so it's recommended to rent an audio guide at the visitor center; otherwise, you might rush through it. A combined ticket costs just over 100 RMB during peak season. Booking in advance through their official WeChat account can save you queuing time. I advise you to assess your physical condition before attempting the glass walkway at Baishi Mountain. If you're afraid of heights, you can still see the peaks and forests by taking the regular trail. The cable car up the mountain is divided into two sections. If you're not physically fit, choose a one-way cable car ride followed by a walk down. This saves energy and ensures you don't miss the scenery. Buy the cable car ticket and entrance ticket separately; don't be fooled by bundled tickets. ⚠️ Prices on the mountain are double; bring your own water and snacks. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the temperature difference between day and night on the mountain can reach ten degrees Celsius. A windproof jacket is more practical than short sleeves. It's windy at the summit, so a hat with a drawstring is highly recommended. It's suitable to stay overnight in Yesanpo. Standard rooms in guesthouses along the Juma River cost around 150-200 yuan during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays. To get to Baiyangdian in Anxin, take a boat into the reed marshes. There are direct buses from Baoding East Station; don't trust touts on the roadside. Driving from Baoding city to Yesanpo takes about two hours, taking the Jingkun Expressway and then the Zhangzhuo Expressway. Departing before 7:00 AM on holidays can help avoid traffic jams. Boats in Baiyangdian are available in large and speedboat versions; sharing a large boat is more cost-effective. Before entering the lake, clarify whether the price includes entrance fees to various attractions to avoid additional charges. 02 Suqian | Jiangsu Hongze Lake Wetland was the most unexpected bonus of this trip. The entrance fee is not expensive, and a combination ticket for the sightseeing bus and boat is more economical. ⏰ Enter the scenic area after 4:00 PM; the density of birds returning to their nests is higher than in the morning. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the reeds have already sprouted heads, and when the wind blows, the entire wetland resembles waves. Wearing light-colored clothing makes the contrast with the reeds even more striking in photos. 📍 The birdwatching tower in the core area of ​​the wetland is worth climbing; the third floor offers a panoramic view just above the tops of the reeds. If you're bringing children, remember not to bring strollers, as the wooden boardwalk has many steps. There are few supply points inside the scenic area, so buy water and snacks in Sihong County before entering. The last sightseeing bus departs at 5:30 PM, so don't miss it. 🍜 After leaving the scenic area, find a small restaurant in Sihong County. Hongze Lake small fish dumplings with rice will fill two people up for 60 yuan. Hongze Lake hairy crabs are also available locally, and during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, they are in season and much cheaper than those from Yangcheng Lake. Find a restaurant frequented by locals to have them cooked; steaming is the safest option. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the wetland, so long pants and mosquito repellent are essential. The journey from Suqian High-Speed ​​Railway Station to the wetland takes about an hour. Taxis or cars are readily available, but return traffic is light, so it's best to book your return ride in advance. 03 Zhoukou | Henan Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area: A long name, and a large area. ⏰ Enter early when it opens at 8 AM to avoid large tour groups. Tickets are around 60 RMB during peak season; online purchases a day in advance often offer discounts. Enter directly by scanning your ID card, saving you from queuing at the window. The ancient cypress trees in the mausoleum area are very old; a walk under their shade is very refreshing. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, Huaiyang hosts a chrysanthemum exhibition, and the area around the mausoleum is filled with chrysanthemum displays; a visit is free. 📍 The incense in front of Tongtian Hall is very popular, but don't buy the overpriced incense at the entrance; you can get three free sticks inside. Taiqing Palace is another tranquil place; the atmosphere of Laozi's hometown needs to be explored slowly. There are bus connections between the two attractions, and taxis cost only around 10 RMB. Half a day is just right. 🍜 The snack streets in Huaiyang District are lively at night. Fangbudai roast chicken and compressed bread are local specialties. It's about a 40-minute drive from Zhoukou city center to Huaiyang. Get off at Zhoukou East High-Speed ​​Railway Station and take a bus or taxi. For accommodation, choose Huaiyang District because it's close to the scenic area; standard rooms are around 100 yuan. 04 Urumqi | Xinjiang The International Grand Bazaar doesn't require an entrance fee, but it's best to just look at the items. ⚠️ Buy dried fruit at the nearby market; the price is about half. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, there are ethnic song and dance performances at the Grand Bazaar; the evening shows are free, so arrive half an hour early to secure a good spot. Hongguang Mountain is best visited in the evening. ⏰ The sunset is two hours later than in inland areas; it's still light at 9 pm. The mountaintop offers panoramic city views, but remember to bring a jacket as it can be windy. Hongguang Mountain entrance fee is cheap, but the sightseeing bus is separate. If you're fit, you can walk up the mountain, which takes about 40 minutes. The windmill fields in Dabancheng are just scenery along the way; it's not worth making a special trip. A ten-minute stop for photos is sufficient. You can take the high-speed train to Dabancheng, which takes half an hour and is more convenient than driving. The windmill fields are outside the city; take a taxi after getting off the train. 📍 Baked buns on the Grand Bazaar pedestrian street cost three yuan each; eat them while they're hot. For accommodation in Urumqi, choose the city center or near the Grand Bazaar. Hostel beds are around 50-60 yuan, and budget hotels are around 200 yuan. Booking in advance during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays can save you 30%. 05 Changde|Hunan Taohuayuan Tourist Area—the name sounds cheesy, but it's truly peaceful inside. ⏰ During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, it opens at 7:30 am. The first batch of people entering the scenic area feels like having the whole place to themselves. A combined ticket for admission and a boat tour costs a little over 100 yuan. Buying online is cheaper than on-site; remember to bring your ID to exchange for tickets. The Qinxi River boat tour is the highlight; the water is so clear you can see the aquatic plants at the bottom. The boat trip takes about half an hour each way. Seating on the right side by the window offers better views. After disembarking, walk back to the exit along the stream path, surrounded by bamboo groves and flowing water. 📍 The Fangzhu Pavilion on Peach Blossom Mountain is a good place to rest. The bamboo is square; you can tell by touching it. There's a tourist bus from Changde city to Peach Blossom Spring. It takes about an hour by train from Changde High-Speed ​​Railway Station, or about 40 minutes by car via the Changzhang Expressway. 🍜 Changde rice noodles are a must-try. Any small shop with a queue in the city center will be good. ⚠️ The Lei Cha (擂茶) shops inside the scenic area are relatively expensive; drink it outside. For accommodation in the city, choose near the pedestrian street; you can stroll along the river street in the evening. A standard room costs around 150 yuan. 06 Haibei|Qinghai The grasslands at the foot of the Qilian Mountains turned yellow during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, but the yellow had a layered effect. ⏰ The light is softest after 3 pm, allowing you to capture both the snow-capped mountains and grasslands in photos. Accommodation around Qinghai Lake is tight during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, but it's relatively more spacious in Haibei. Book hotels in Qilian County or Menyuan in advance; you can find decent rooms for around 200 yuan. The Heihe Grand Canyon is best visited by car; renting a car from Xining takes about three hours. The Lenglongling Pass is extremely windy, so hold your phone tightly when taking photos. Drive along National Highway 227; although the rapeseed flowers have faded, the autumn colors of the grasslands are still beautiful. Gas stations are spaced far apart, so fill up before you set off. The Danxia landforms of Ami Dongsuo don't need filters; the viewpoints are right by the roadside, so you can easily take pictures by parking. In Qilian County, hand-pulled lamb and yogurt are local specialties; a meal for around 50 yuan per person is very filling. ⚠️ At altitudes above 3,000 meters, don't run or jump; walk slowly. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, temperatures in Haibei are close to zero degrees Celsius in the mornings and evenings; bring down jackets and sunscreen, as the UV radiation is extremely strong. 07 Linyi | Shandong Firefly Water Cave & Underground Grand Canyon – a long name, but definitely worth it. ⏰ Go in the morning when it's less crowded and you can take a boat into the cave to see the fireflies more clearly. It's cold inside, so bring a light jacket. A combined ticket costs over 100 yuan, but buying online in advance saves 20 yuan. Boat rides inside the cave are separate; cash and QR code payments are accepted. ⚠️ Don't use flash photography, as it will harm the fireflies. The cave is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. Elderly people and children should walk slowly. The whole tour takes about an hour and a half. Yimeng Mountain has red leaves in autumn, starting to change color in early October. 📍 Walking the plank road around Guimeng Peak takes two hours; elderly people can manage half the walk. The Yimeng Mountain scenic area is large; taking the sightseeing bus is essential, otherwise you won't see everything in a day. Bus tickets are sold separately. 🍜 Eat Linyi fried chicken on the way down the mountain, wrapped in a pancake. The portion is large, so don't order too much. Driving from Linyi city to Yimeng Mountain takes about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can take the high-speed train from Linyi North Station and then transfer to a bus. Accommodation in the city center is available from 120 to 180 yuan per standard room. 08 Quanzhou | Fujian Qingyuan Mountain is free to enter before 6:00 AM; locals are often seen doing morning exercises. ⏰ The stone statue at Lao Jun Rock is most vivid in the morning light. Qingyuan Mountain has many trails, so wear sneakers. You can rest at Tianhu Lake at the summit. On the way down, visit the Fujian-Taiwan Relations Museum (free). Quanzhou cliff carvings are scattered along the mountain paths; don't rush, take your time to appreciate them. 📍 The East and West Pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple are beautiful in the evening at 5:30 PM, with light and shadow filtering through them, creating picturesque scenes. Kaiyuan Temple is free, but it gets crowded during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays; entering early in the morning is the quietest. The coastline of Chongwu Ancient City is more beautiful than the ancient city itself. ⚠️ It's windy at the beach; your hat might get blown away. There's a bus from Quanzhou to Chongwu, taking about an hour. The ancient city entrance fee isn't expensive, but be careful of the slippery rocks by the sea. 🍜 Rice noodle soup with vinegar-braised pork is the perfect breakfast. Quanzhou snacks are concentrated on West Street and Zhongshan Road. Ginger duck, sea worm jelly, and four-fruit soup are all worth trying; you can eat your fill for around 30 yuan per person. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse near West Street; you can find a courtyard house converted from an old house for around 200 yuan. These eight places can be visited in a few weeks, keeping your Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day budget very low. Which one do you most want to go to? Let us know in the comments. 8️⃣ Low-Budget Cities for Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, Less Crowded 01 Baoding | Hebei In short, Baoding is underrated. The pine forest at the Western Qing Tombs is much quieter than other crowded scenic spots; you can hear your own footsteps walking on the Sacred Way. ⏰ Arrive before 10 am; the light shines obliquely through the ancient buildings, making it easy to take photos without having to fight for a good spot. The Western Qing Tombs are large, so it's recommended to rent an audio guide at the visitor center; otherwise, you might rush through the sights. A combined ticket costs a little over 100 yuan during peak season. Booking in advance through their official WeChat account can save you queuing time. For the glass walkway at Baishi Mountain, I advise you to assess your physical condition before attempting it. If you're afraid of heights, you can still see the peaks and forests by taking the regular trail. The cable car up the mountain is in two sections. If you're not physically fit, choose a one-way cable car ride followed by walking down; this saves energy and ensures you don't miss the scenery. Buy cable car tickets and entrance tickets separately; don't be fooled by bundled tickets. ⚠️ Prices on the mountain are double, so bring your own water and snacks. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the temperature difference between day and night on the mountain can be as high as 10 degrees Celsius. A windproof jacket is more practical than short sleeves. It's windy at the summit, so bring a hat with a drawstring. Yesanpo is a good place to stay overnight. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, a standard room in a farmhouse by the Juma River costs around 150-200 yuan. To get to Baiyangdian in Anxin, take a boat into the reed marshes. 🚄 There are direct buses from Baoding East Station; don't trust touts on the street. Driving from Baoding city to Yesanpo takes about two hours, taking the Beijing-Kunming Expressway and then the Zhangjiakou-Zhuozhou Expressway. Departing before 7 AM on holidays can help avoid traffic congestion. Boats at Baiyangdian Lake come in large and speedboat options; sharing a large boat is more cost-effective for larger groups. Before entering the lake, clarify whether admission to individual attractions is included to avoid additional charges. 02 Suqian | Jiangsu Hongze Lake Wetland was the most unexpected highlight of my trip. The entrance fee is reasonable, and a combined ticket for the sightseeing bus and boat is even more economical. ⏰ Entering the scenic area after 4 PM results in a higher density of birds returning to their nests compared to the morning. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the reeds have already sprouted, and the wind makes the entire wetland resemble waves. Wearing light-colored clothing creates a more striking contrast with the reeds in photos. 📍 The birdwatching tower in the core area of ​​the wetland is worth climbing; the three levels offer a view just above the tops of the reeds. If you have children, remember not to bring strollers, as the wooden boardwalk has many steps. Supply points are scarce within the scenic area, so buy water and snacks in Sihong County before entering. The last sightseeing bus departs at 5:30 PM, so don't miss it. 🍜 After leaving the scenic area, find a small restaurant in Sihong County. Hongze Lake small fish dumplings with rice will cost around 60 yuan for two people – you'll be stuffed! Hongze Lake hairy crabs are also available locally, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays. They're much cheaper than Yangcheng Lake crabs. Find a restaurant frequented by locals to have them cooked; steaming is the safest option. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the wetlands, so long pants and mosquito repellent are essential. It's about an hour's drive from Suqian High-Speed ​​Railway Station to the wetlands; taxis or cars are readily available. Return trips are less frequent, so it's best to book your return ride in advance. 03 Zhoukou|Henan Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area – a long name and a large area. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8:00 AM to avoid large tour groups. Tickets to the mausoleum area cost around 60 yuan during peak season. Buying online a day in advance often offers discounts. Entry is direct by scanning your ID card, saving you from queuing at the window. The ancient cypress trees in the mausoleum area are very old; a walk under their shade is very refreshing. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, Huaiyang hosts a chrysanthemum exhibition, with chrysanthemum displays around the mausoleum area – a convenient stop without extra cost. 📍 The incense in front of the Tongtian Hall is very popular, but don't buy the overpriced incense at the entrance; you can get three sticks for free inside. Taiqing Palace is another tranquil place; the atmosphere of Laozi's hometown needs to be explored at a leisurely pace. There are bus connections between the two attractions, and a taxi ride costs only around 10-20 yuan. Half a day is just right. 🍜 The snack street in Huaiyang District is lively at night. Fangbudai roasted chicken and compressed bread are local specialties. It's about a 40-minute drive from Zhoukou city to Huaiyang. Get off at Zhoukou East High-Speed ​​Railway Station and then take a bus or taxi. For accommodation, choose Huaiyang District, close to the scenic area; standard rooms are around 100 yuan. 04 Urumqi | Xinjiang The International Grand Bazaar doesn't require an entrance fee, but the items inside are best viewed from afar. ⚠️ Buy dried fruit at the nearby market; the prices are about half. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the Grand Bazaar hosts ethnic song and dance performances; evening shows are free, so arrive half an hour early to secure a good spot. Hongguang Mountain is best visited in the evening. ⏰ Sunset is two hours later than in inland areas, and it's still light at 9 PM. The mountaintop offers panoramic city views, but remember to bring a jacket as it can be windy. Entrance to Hongguang Mountain is cheap, but the sightseeing bus is separate. If you're fit, you can walk up the mountain, which takes about 40 minutes. The windmill fields in Dabancheng are just a scenic view along the way; it's not worth making a special trip. A 10-minute stop for photos is sufficient. You can take the high-speed train to Dabancheng, which takes half an hour and is more convenient than driving. The windmill fields are outside the city; take a taxi after getting off the train. 📍 Baked buns on the Grand Bazaar pedestrian street cost 3 yuan each; eat them while they're hot. For accommodation in Urumqi, choose the city center or near the Grand Bazaar. Hostel beds are around 50-60 yuan, and budget hotels are around 200 yuan. Booking in advance during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays can save you 30%. 05 Changde | Hunan Taohuayuan Tourist Area – the name sounds ordinary, but once inside, you'll find it truly tranquil. ⏰ During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, it opens at 7:30 am, and the first batch of visitors will feel like they have the whole place to themselves. A combined ticket for admission and a boat ride costs around 100 yuan; buying online is cheaper than on-site. Remember to bring your ID to exchange for tickets. The Qinxi River boat ride is the highlight; the water is so clear you can see the aquatic plants at the bottom. The boat ride takes about half an hour one way. Sitting on the right side by the window offers the best view. After disembarking, walk along the stream path back to the exit; the entire way is lined with bamboo groves and streams. 📍 The Fangzhu Pavilion on Taohua Mountain is a good place to rest; the bamboo is square, you can tell by touching it. There are tourist buses from Changde city to Taohuayuan. From Changde high-speed rail station, it takes about an hour by transfer; by car, it's a 40-minute drive via the Changzhang Expressway. 🍜 Changde rice noodles are a must-try; any small shop with a queue in the city center will be decent. ⚠️ Lei Cha (擂茶) shops in scenic areas are relatively expensive, so have it outside. For accommodation in the city center, choose near the pedestrian street; you can also stroll along the river street in the evening. Standard rooms are around 150 yuan. 06 Haibei|Qinghai The grasslands at the foot of the Qilian Mountains are already golden yellow during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, but the yellow has layers of color. ⏰ The light is softest after 3 pm, allowing you to capture the snow-capped mountains and grasslands together in photos. Accommodation around Qinghai Lake is tight during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, but it's relatively more readily available in Haibei. Book hotels in Qilian County or Menyuan in advance; you can find decent rooms for around 200 yuan. The Heihe Grand Canyon is best visited by car. 🚄 It takes about three hours to drive there from Xining. The wind at the Lenglongling pass is so strong you can barely stand; hold your phone tightly when taking photos. Drive along National Highway 227; although the rapeseed flowers have faded, the autumn colors of the grasslands are still beautiful. Gas stations are spaced far apart, so fill up the tank before you set off. The Danxia landforms of Ami Dongsuo don't need filters; the viewing platform is right by the roadside, so you can take photos right away. In Qilian County, hand-pulled mutton and yogurt are local specialties, and a meal for around 50 yuan per person is very filling. ⚠️ At an altitude of over 3,000 meters, don't run or jump; walk slowly. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, temperatures in Haibei are close to zero degrees Celsius in the mornings and evenings, so bring a down jacket and sunscreen—the UV radiation is incredibly strong. 07 Linyi|Shandong Firefly Water Cave/Underground Grand Canyon—the name is long, but it's definitely worth it. ⏰ Go in the morning when there are fewer people; take a boat into the cave to see the fireflies more clearly. The temperature inside the cave is low, so bring a light jacket. A combined ticket costs over 100 yuan, but buying online in advance saves 20 yuan. Boat rides inside the cave are separate; cash and QR code payments are accepted. ⚠️ Don't use flash photography; it will harm the fireflies. The cave is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. Elderly people and children should walk slowly. The entire tour takes about an hour and a half. The autumn leaves of Yimeng Mountain turn red, starting to change color in early October. 📍 A complete loop of the plank road at Guimeng Peak takes about two hours; older people can manage half the loop. The Yimeng Mountain scenic area is large, so taking the sightseeing bus is essential; otherwise, you won't see everything in a day. Bus tickets are sold separately. 🍜 On the way down the mountain, try Linyi fried chicken, eaten wrapped in a pancake. The portion is large, so don't order too much. Driving from Linyi city to Yimeng Mountain takes about one and a half hours. Alternatively, you can take the high-speed train to Linyi North Station and then transfer to a bus. For accommodation, choose a room in the city center; standard rooms cost between 120 and 180 yuan. 08 Quanzhou|Fujian Entrance to Qingyuan Mountain is free if you enter before 6:00 AM; locals are often seen doing morning exercises. ⏰ The stone statue at Laojun Rock is most vivid in the morning light. Qingyuan Mountain has many trails; wear sneakers. You can rest at Tianhu Lake at the summit. On the way down, visit the Fujian-Taiwan Relations Museum (free of charge). The cliff carvings of Quanzhou are scattered along both sides of the mountain road. Don't rush; take your time to appreciate them. 📍 The East and West Pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple are particularly beautiful at 5:30 PM, when the light and shadows filter through them, creating picturesque scenes. Kaiyuan Temple is free, but it gets very crowded during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays. Going in early in the morning when it opens is the quietest. The coastline of Chongwu Ancient City is more beautiful than the ancient city itself. ⚠️ It's windy at the beach, and your hat can easily be blown away. There are buses from Quanzhou to Chongwu, taking about an hour. The entrance fee to the ancient city is not expensive, but be careful not to step on the slippery rocks at the beach. 🍜 Rice noodle soup with vinegar-braised pork is the most comforting breakfast. Quanzhou snacks are concentrated on West Street and Zhongshan Road. Ginger duck, sea worm jelly, and four-fruit soup are all worth trying. You can eat your fill for around 30 RMB per person. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse near West Street; you can stay in a courtyard house converted from an old house for around 200 RMB. By choosing two or three of these eight places and visiting them together, you can keep your Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day budget very low. Which one would you most like to visit? Let us know in the comments.

The two worst things about traveling during the National Day holiday are: shrinking wallets and being crammed into crowds. These eight places I've picked are either inexpensive, offer off-peak travel options, or are hassle-free in terms of food, accommodation, and transportation. Follow these recommendations, and at least you won't regret it later. 01 Chongqing When visiting Chongqing during the National Day holiday, don't just focus on the crowds at Hongyadong. I suggest using the main urban area as your base, exploring the surrounding areas during the day, and returning in the evening for a hot pot dinner to wrap things up. The Dazu Rock Carvings are worth half a day. ⏰ Arrive at Baodingshan before 8:30 am. The sunlight will be at an angle on the statues, making the details clearer, and the tour groups won't be there yet. 📍 It takes about an hour and a half by bus from Chenjiaping Bus Station. Book your tickets in advance through the official account; don't believe the touts on the street offering "skip-the-line" tickets. Jinyun Mountain is suitable for a day when you don't want to travel far. Go up the mountain in the afternoon, and watch the main city lights slowly illuminate at Shiziping in the evening—it's much more comfortable than squeezing onto a viewing platform. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes on the mountain, so wear long pants and mosquito repellent; don't try to brave the heat in shorts. Choose either Wulong Karst or the Yangtze River Three Gorges. Wulong offers the Three Natural Bridges, which is manageable for most people; the Three Gorges is best enjoyed by boat, but tickets are scarce during the National Day holiday, so book three days in advance. Choose accommodations along the rail line for convenience; clean rooms are available for around 150 RMB per person. 02 Yangzhou | Jiangsu The beauty of Yangzhou can only be truly appreciated by slowing down. It's crowded during the National Day holiday, but if you time your visit correctly, you can still find peace and quiet. Don't enter Slender West Lake from the South Gate. ⏰ Enter from the North Gate at 7 AM and walk along the lake to the Five Pavilion Bridge. The morning mist hasn't dissipated yet, so there's little chance of blocking your photos. The entrance fee isn't cheap, but the early morning experience is worth it. Choose to explore Ge Garden or He Garden in detail. Ge Garden's four-season rockery is interesting, while He Garden's covered walkways are more suitable for rainy days. 📍 After strolling around, walk out through Dongguan Street and grab a bowl of dry noodles with pork kidney soup along the way. 🍜 The old-fashioned taste of Jiangjiaqiao Dumpling and Noodle Shop is a favorite even among locals. ⚠️ Don't rush to buy the "specialty gift boxes" on the main street of Dongguan Street. Walk a few steps into the alley, and the same kind of chewy candy is much cheaper. Choose accommodation near Wenchang Pavilion; it's close to any garden, and you can stroll along the ancient canal in the evening for a refreshing breeze. 03 Gannan | Gansu Gannan is the kind of grassland you'll want to visit again and again. During the National Day holiday, the grass turns yellow, creating a more layered effect, and importantly, it's significantly cheaper than in summer. A night's stay in Zhagana is essential to a worthwhile trip. ⏰ In the evening, go to the Dari viewing platform to see the stone city bathed in warm colors by the sunset. In the morning, go to Fairy Beach, where clouds and mist cling to the mountainside. 📍 Guesthouses in the village cost around 200 RMB during the National Day holiday, cheaper than peak season, but the hot water is unreliable, so don't stay out too late to shower. Langmusi Temple is divided into Gansu and Sichuan sides, separated by the Bailong River. I prefer the Sichuan side in the morning; ⏰ around 7 am, smoke rises from the monks' quarters, and it's so quiet you can hear chanting. ⚠️ No photography inside the halls; there are signs at the entrance, please respect the rules. Yeliguan and Gahai Lake are suitable for a road trip. Gahai Lake has many migratory birds in October, so bring binoculars. Gannan's altitude is not low, so don't wash your hair or run around on the first day; acclimatize gradually. A chartered car costs around 400 RMB per day, but carpooling is more cost-effective. 04 Laibin | Guangxi Laibin is an underrated transit point. Most people go straight to Guilin and skip it, leaving a peaceful haven. Jinxiu Lotus Mountain is suitable for hiking enthusiasts. ⏰ Start climbing at 9 AM. The stone steps are slippery, especially after rain. 📍 The sea of ​​clouds at the summit is a matter of luck, but the primeval forest halfway up the mountain is enough to see, with such high concentrations of negative ions that you'll want to take deep breaths. Panwangjie in the Dayao Mountains offers a more cultural experience. The long drum dance and embroidery displays in the Yao villages add another layer of meaning to simply sightseeing. 🍜 Don't miss the oil tea at the foot of the mountain; it's salty, fragrant, and slightly bitter. The first sip might make you wince, but the second will be addictive. ⚠️ There are few buses in the mountain area, so it's best to drive yourself or hire a car. Accommodation in the county town is cheap; you can find clean rooms for just over 100 yuan. During the National Day holiday, you can spend two days here for about 300 yuan per person, perfect for those who want to avoid crowds. 05 Datong | Shanxi Datong is the kind of place where you "think you'll only need half a day to see it, but end up spending two." The grandeur of the grottoes and the Hanging Temple cannot be captured in photos. Allow at least three hours for the Yungang Grottoes. ⏰ After 3 PM, the sunlight shines into the caves, making the folds of the Buddha statues' robes most clearly visible. 📍 Take bus number 3 directly from the city center. Don't take a taxi; traffic jams make the bus slower. ⚠️ Cave 5 may be closed for renovations; check official announcements before you go. The Hanging Temple and Mount Heng are on the same route. Climbing the Hanging Temple requires a separate ticket, and there are visitor limits, so queue early in the morning. If you can't climb Mount Heng, take the cable car; it's windy at the summit, so bring a jacket. 🍜 The "Little Wife's Cold Noodles" in Hunyuan County are sour, spicy, and refreshing, perfect with a fried dough twist. Choose accommodation near the ancient city wall; you can climb the wall at night for a view. Any place in Datong that sells knife-cut noodles is decent; you can eat your fill for around 20 RMB per person. Prices will rise during the National Day holiday, so book ten days in advance. 06 Zhoukou|Henan Zhoukou isn't a popular destination, but if you want to see Fuxi culture and the origins of Taoism, this is the place to go. Visiting during the National Day holiday means fewer crowds and lower prices, making it ideal for a leisurely trip with elders. The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area is the core destination. ⏰ Go in the morning for fewer people; the ancient cypress trees in front of the mausoleum will bring peace of mind. 📍 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Zhoukou East Station; buses are available but infrequent. ⚠️ Sellers selling incense around the scenic area can be persistent; politely decline. Taiqing Palace is located in Luyi County, the birthplace of Laozi. The palaces are simple and unpretentious, which is a rare find. 🍜 Luyi's "Ma Hu" (a type of rice noodle soup) and Kongji roast chicken are worth trying; the roast chicken makes a nice souvenir. These two places are in different locations, so it's best to drive between them. For accommodation, choose a chain hotel in Zhoukou city center for around 150 yuan. This is suitable for those interested in history and their elders; younger people might find it boring. 07 Chengde | Hebei One day is definitely not enough to visit the Chengde Mountain Resort and the Eight Outer Temples. Come during the National Day holiday when autumn colors are at their peak, and the leaves in the resort are starting to change color. Enter the Mountain Resort from Lizheng Gate, first explore the palace area, then take the scenic shuttle bus. ⏰ In the morning, the light in the lake area is soft, and the reflection of the Misty Rain Pavilion is beautiful. 📍 The shuttle bus costs 40 yuan per person, saves walking effort, and allows you to go up the Ermadao (Second Horse Road) for a panoramic view of the Little Potala Palace. ⚠️ The resort is very large; don't wear new shoes, your feet will protest after a day of walking. Jinshanling Great Wall is much less crowded than Badaling. ⏰ Go in the evening; the sunset paints the walls golden, creating picturesque photos. 📍 It takes about two hours by chartered car from Chengde city center, or 80 yuan per person if shared. The Great Wall steps are steep; elderly people should assess their physical condition. For the Eight Outer Temples, Puning Temple and Putuo Zongcheng Temple are sufficient. Choose accommodation near the resort; a bowl of mutton soup with flatbread in the evening is warming. Prices double during the National Day holiday, so book early. 08 Lingshui | Hainan Lingshui is quieter and cheaper than Sanya. While Sanya hotels are ridiculously expensive during the National Day holiday, Lingshui offers good value. Fenjiezhou Island is great for water activities. ⏰ Take the first boat to the island in the morning; fewer people, clear water, and you can see small fish while snorkeling. 📍 A taxi from Lingshui Station to the pier takes about 20 minutes. ⚠️ Prices on the island are high; bring your own water and snacks. Nanwan Monkey Island is perfect for families with children. The cable car crossing offers a wide view, and the monkeys aren't afraid of people, but don't carry plastic bags—they'll snatch them. 🍜 Eat seafood at the Tanka fishing rafts in Xincun Port; freshly caught and cooked, you can eat your fill for around 100 RMB per person. For accommodation, choose Qingshui Bay or Xiangshui Bay. Sea-view rooms are around 400 RMB during the National Day holiday, half the price of Sanya. Perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet sea view. Of these 8 places, I most want to revisit Gannan and Datong. One is for grasslands, the other for grottoes—both are places you'll want to return to. Where are you planning to go for National Day? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll help you check if your itinerary is feasible. The two worst things about traveling during National Day are: shrinking budgets and being crammed into crowds. These 8 places I've chosen are either inexpensive, offer off-peak travel options, or are hassle-free in terms of food, accommodation, and transportation. Follow these routes, and at least you won't regret it later. 01 Chongqing When going to Chongqing for National Day, don't just focus on the crowds at Hongyadong. I suggest using the main urban area as a base, venturing to the surrounding areas during the day, and returning in the evening for a hot pot dinner to finish off the holiday. The Dazu Rock Carvings are worth half a day. ⏰ Arrive at Baodingshan before 8:30 AM. The sunlight will be at an angle, illuminating the statues and revealing the details clearly. Tour groups won't be crowding in yet. 📍 It takes about an hour and a half by bus from Chenjiaping Bus Station. Book tickets in advance through the official account; don't believe the touts on the street offering "skip-the-line" tickets. Jinyun Mountain is suitable for days when you don't want to travel far. Climb the mountain in the afternoon and watch the city lights slowly illuminate at Shiziping in the evening—it's much more comfortable than squeezing onto the viewing platform. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes on the mountain; wear long pants and mosquito repellent. Don't try to brave the heat in shorts. Choose either Wulong Karst or the Yangtze River Three Gorges. Wulong offers the Three Natural Bridges, which is manageable for most people; the Three Gorges is best enjoyed by boat, but tickets are scarce during the National Day holiday, so book three days in advance. Choose accommodation along the rail line for convenience; clean rooms are available for around 150 RMB per person. 02 Yangzhou|Jiangsu The beauty of Yangzhou can only be truly appreciated by slowing down. Crowds are common during National Day, but if you time your visit right, you can still find a peaceful spot. Don't enter Slender West Lake from the South Gate. ⏰ Enter from the North Gate at 7 AM and walk along the lake to the Five Pavilion Bridge. The morning mist hasn't dissipated yet, so there's virtually no one blocking your photo opportunities. The entrance fee isn't cheap, but the early morning stretch is worth it. Choose to explore either Ge Garden or He Garden in detail. Ge Garden's four-season rockery is interesting, while He Garden's covered walkways are more suitable for rainy days. 📍 After your visit, walk out through Dongguan Street and grab a bowl of dry noodles with pork kidney soup along the way. 🍜 The old-fashioned taste of Jiangjiaqiao Dumpling and Noodle Shop is a favorite among locals. ⚠️ Don't rush to buy the "specialty gift boxes" on the main street of Dongguan Street. Walk a few steps into the alley; the same kind of chewy candy is much cheaper there. Choose accommodation near Wenchang Pavilion; it's close to all the gardens, and you can stroll along the ancient canal in the evening for a refreshing breeze. 03 Gannan | Gansu Gannan is the kind of grassland you'll want to return to. During the National Day holiday, the grass turns yellow, creating a more layered effect, and importantly, it's significantly cheaper than in summer. A night's stay in Zhagana is essential to a worthwhile trip. ⏰ In the evening, head to the Dari viewing platform to see the stone city bathed in warm colors by the sunset. In the morning, go to Fairy Beach, where clouds and mist cling to the mountainside. 📍 Guesthouses in the village cost around 200 RMB during the National Day holiday, cheaper than peak season, but the hot water is unreliable, so don't stay out too late to shower. Langmusi Temple is divided into Gansu and Sichuan sides, separated by the Bailong River. I prefer the Sichuan side's mornings; ⏰ around 7 am, smoke rises from the monks' quarters, and the silence is so profound you can hear the chanting. ⚠️ No photography inside the halls; there are signs at the entrance. Please respect the rules. Yeliguan and Gahai Lake are best visited together by car. Gahai Lake has many migratory birds in October, so bring binoculars. Gannan's altitude is not low, so avoid washing your hair and running around on the first day; acclimatize gradually. A chartered car costs around 400 yuan per day, but carpooling is more cost-effective. 04 Laibin | Guangxi Laibin is an underrated transit point. Most people head straight for Guilin, skipping it and leaving a peaceful haven. Jinxiu Lotus Mountain is suitable for hiking enthusiasts. ⏰ Start climbing at 9 am. The stone steps are slippery, especially after rain. 📍 The sea of ​​clouds at the summit is a matter of luck, but the primeval forest halfway up the mountain is worth seeing; the high concentration of negative ions will make you want to take deep breaths. Panwangjie in Dayao Mountain offers a more cultural experience. The long drum dance and embroidery displays in the Yao village add another layer of meaning to simply viewing the mountains. 🍜 Don't miss the oil tea at the foot of the mountain; it's salty, fragrant, and slightly bitter. The first sip might make you frown, but the second will be addictive. ⚠️ There are few buses in the mountain area; it's best to drive yourself or charter a car. Accommodation in the county town is cheap; you can find clean rooms for just over 100 yuan. During the National Day holiday, you can spend two days here for about 300 yuan per person, perfect for those who want to avoid crowds. 05 Datong | Shanxi Datong is the kind of place you think you'll spend half a day visiting, but end up staying for two. The grandeur of the grottoes and the Hanging Temple is breathtaking; photos can't capture even a fraction of its magnificence. Allow at least three hours for the Yungang Grottoes. ⏰ After 3 PM, the sunlight shines into the grottoes, making the folds of the Buddha statues' clothing most clearly visible. 📍 Take bus number 3 directly from the city center. Don't take a taxi; traffic jams make the bus slower. ⚠️ Grotto 5 may be closed for renovations; check official announcements before you go. The Hanging Temple and Mount Heng (Northern Peak) are on the same route. Climbing the Hanging Temple requires a separate ticket, and there are visitor limits; arrive early to queue. If you can't climb Mount Heng, take the cable car; it's windy at the summit, so bring a jacket. 🍜 The "Little Wife's Cold Noodles" in Hunyuan County are sour, spicy, and refreshing, perfect with a fried dough twist. Choose accommodation near the ancient city wall; you can climb the wall at night for a view. Any noodle shop in Datong is decent, and a meal for around 20 RMB per person is filling. Prices will rise during the National Day holiday, so book ten days in advance. 06 Zhoukou | Henan Zhoukou isn't a popular tourist destination, but if you want to see Fuxi culture and the origins of Taoism, this is a must-see. Visit during the National Day holiday for fewer crowds and lower prices, ideal for a leisurely trip with elders. The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area is the core. ⏰ Go in the morning for fewer people; the ancient cypress trees in front of the mausoleum will calm your mind. 📍 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Zhoukou East Station; buses are available but infrequent. ⚠️ Sellers selling incense around the scenic area can be persistent; politely refuse. Taiqing Palace is in Luyi County, the birthplace of Laozi. The palaces are simple and unpretentious, lacking any commercialism, which is a rare find. 🍜 The "Ma Hu" (a type of rice noodle soup) and Kongji roast chicken in Luyi are worth trying; the roast chicken makes a nice souvenir. These two places are in different locations, so it's best to drive between them. For accommodation, choose a chain hotel in Zhoukou city center; it's around 150 yuan. This is suitable for those interested in history and older family members; younger people might find it boring. 07 Chengde|Hebei One day is definitely not enough to visit the Chengde Mountain Resort and the Eight Outer Temples. Come during the National Day holiday when the autumn colors are at their peak, and the leaves in the resort are starting to change color. Enter the Mountain Resort from Lizheng Gate, first explore the palace area, then take the mountain shuttle bus. ⏰ In the morning, the light in the lake area is soft, and the reflection of the Misty Rain Pavilion is beautiful. 📍 The mountain shuttle bus costs 40 yuan per person, saving you walking effort and allowing you to go up the Second Horse Road for a panoramic view of the Little Potala Palace. ⚠️ The resort is very large; don't wear new shoes, your feet will protest after a day of walking. Jinshanling Great Wall is much less crowded than Badaling. ⏰ Go in the evening; the sunset paints the walls golden, creating picturesque scenes. 📍 It takes about two hours by chartered car from Chengde city center, or about 80 yuan per person if shared. The Great Wall steps are steep, so elderly people should proceed with caution. For the Eight Outer Temples, Puning Temple and Putuo Zongcheng Temple are sufficient. Choose accommodation near the mountain resort; a bowl of mutton soup with flatbread in the evening is warming. Prices double during the National Day holiday, so book early. 08 Lingshui | Hainan Lingshui is quieter and cheaper than Sanya. While Sanya hotels are ridiculously expensive during the National Day holiday, Lingshui offers good value. Fenjiezhou Island is great for water activities. ⏰ Take the first boat to the island in the morning; fewer people and clearer water, you can see small fish while snorkeling. 📍 It takes about 20 minutes by taxi from Lingshui Station to the pier. ⚠️ Prices on the island are high; bring your own water and snacks. Nanwan Monkey Island is perfect for families with children. The cable car section across the sea offers expansive views, and the monkeys aren't afraid of people, but don't carry plastic bags—they'll snatch them. 🍜 Enjoy seafood at the Tanka fishing rafts in Xincun Port. Freshly caught and cooked, it's a filling meal for around 100 RMB per person. For accommodation, choose Qingshui Bay or Xiangshui Bay. Sea view rooms are around 400 RMB during the National Day holiday, half the price of Sanya. Ideal for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet sea view. Of these eight places, I most want to revisit Gannan and Datong. One offers grasslands, the other grottoes—both are places you'll want to return to. Where are you planning to go for the National Day holiday? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll help you check if the itinerary is suitable.

Want to avoid the crowds this National Day? These 5 off-the-beaten-path tips are tried and tested for a stress-free trip 01 Nanping | Fujian Wuyishan: I advise you not to just ride the bamboo rafts. National Day bamboo raft tickets are hard to get. Arrive at Xingcun Wharf by 6:30 AM to queue, or you'll be stuck with the afternoon slots where you'll get sunburned. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Wuyishan North Station, then take a taxi to the resort area (about 20 minutes). Staying in the Sangu area is most convenient; the Chongyangxi Trail is right outside. On the first day, hike Tianyou Peak. The steps are steep, so don't push yourself if you have bad knees. In the afternoon, head to the Yangu Huaxiang Roaming Trail. It takes two hours from the Water Curtain Cave to Dahongpao. The tea fields are nestled between rock walls, and the breeze carries the scent of roasted tea. ⏰ After 5:00 PM, head to the banks of the Chongyangxi River. The light hits the cliffs on the other side perfectly. 🍜 For dinner, find a local restaurant and order Langu smoked goose and Zixi rice noodles. Don't eat near the scenic area entrance. It's expensive and mediocre. ⚠️ Book tickets for the "Impression Dahongpao" show three days in advance; they are rarely available on-site. This is great for those who want to hike and drink tea. If you're traveling with seniors, just stick to the roaming trail and skip Tianyou Peak. 02 Nanchang | Jiangxi Tengwang Pavilion: I suggest going in the evening. Climbing during the day just shows a gray Gan River. It's only worth the ticket price when the sunset sets the whole river ablaze. 🚄 Take Metro Line 1 to Tengwang Pavilion Station, then walk 10 minutes to the East Gate. Don't trust the boat touts at the entrance. The main pavilion has six floors. The elevator queue can take 40 minutes, so if you're fit, taking the stairs is faster. 📍 The outer corridor on the fifth floor is the best spot to photograph the Gan River and the Bayi Bridge, and it's less crowded. ⚠️ The National Day night light show starts at 7:30 PM. You need to claim a spot by the river before 6:00 PM, or you'll only see the backs of people's heads. 🍜 Afterward, go to Zigulu Road for mixed rice noodles and earthenware pot soup. They are open from 6:00 AM until noon, so don't go too late. This is perfect for first-time visitors to Nanchang. Half a day is enough. Spend the rest of the time exploring the Wanshou Palace block, but don't buy those generic trinkets. 03 Guangyuan | Sichuan Jianmenguan: The highlight isn't the gate tower, but the Bird Path. It's restricted during National Day, so arrive at the South Gate before 8:00 AM and head straight for the entrance, or you'll be queuing for at least two hours. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Jianmenguan Station. There's a bus directly to the scenic area; don't take a taxi, as drivers like to carpool. The Bird Path is so narrow that only one person can pass sideways. The iron chains are cold, and there's a 100-meter deep valley beneath your feet. If you're afraid of heights, just take the plank road. 📍 The gate tower itself is a reconstruction, so take a photo and move on; don't linger. ⚠️ Bottled water inside the scenic area is CNY 8 a bottle, so bring your own. 🍜 Head down the mountain to Jianmenguan Town for a tofu feast. The "pregnant" tofu and "collapsed mountain" tofu are specialties. You can get full for about CNY 50 per person. This is great for hiking and Three Kingdoms history enthusiasts. The whole route takes about five hours. Wear non-slip shoes, as the stone steps can be mossy. 04 Wenshan | Yunnan Puzhehei: There are fewer people here during National Day than you'd think, because everyone crowds into Dali. ⏰ Go to Qinglong Mountain at 7:00 AM for sunrise. It's a 20-minute climb to the top. The karst peaks emerging from the morning mist look more unreal than a painting. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Puzhehei Station, then take a taxi to the scenic area for about CNY 30. Take a willow-leaf boat through the lotus ponds. The boatman will lead you in a water fight; tell them in advance if you don't want to get wet. 📍 Stay one night in Xianrendong Village. In the evening, eat lotus fish and lotus leaf omelet by the lake for about CNY 60 per person. ⚠️ The scenic area shuttle bus is CNY 20 one way, but walking is actually faster. Don't get talked into buying a package ticket. It's perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery. Two days and one night is just right. The lotus season is from June to September, but you can still see the withered lotuses during National Day, which has a unique charm. If you're bringing children, note that water fight gear is cheaper to buy on-site than to bring your own. 05 Wuhan | Hubei Yellow Crane Tower: I advise you to view it from a distance. During National Day, the queue to climb the tower is at least an hour, and the ticket is CNY 70. Once you're up there, you'll see people, not the river. 📍 Go to Desheng Bridge to photograph the Yellow Crane Tower and the local street life together. It's free, and the light is best before 8:00 AM. ⚠️ Don't go to Hubu Alley; it's expensive and tastes bad. Locals don't go there. Ride a shared bike on the East Lake Greenway from Liyuan Square to Moshan. The whole ride takes about an hour, and the lake breeze is more comfortable than air conditioning. ⏰ Go to Lingbomen in the evening to watch the sunset. The pier is crowded, but it's worth it. Songyang Temple in Caidian is quiet and less crowded, perfect for those looking for peace. Huangpi Mulan Cultural Ecological Tourism Zone is great for kids. Mulan Grassland and Mulan Tianchi are separate; you can only choose one per day. 🍜 For dinner, go to Wansongyuan for crayfish. Bali Crayfish and Liangliang Steamed Shrimp have queues, but they are more authentic than Hubu Alley. Wuhan is huge, so don't be too ambitious in one day; two spots are enough. 06 Datong | Shanxi Yungang Grottoes: Restricted during National Day. Book three days in advance on the official WeChat account; tickets are not sold on-site. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8:30 AM. Head straight to Caves 5 and 6, or they'll be packed with tour groups. 🚄 A taxi from Datong South Station costs about CNY 40; you can also take Bus No. 3. The Hanging Temple is even stricter. Tickets to climb are limited daily. Go queue at 7:00 AM, or you'll only be able to look at it from the bottom of the mountain. ⚠️ Do Hengshan and the Hanging Temple on the same day. Do the Hanging Temple first, then Hengshan. If you reverse the order, you'll get stuck in traffic. You need to buy a separate ticket to climb the Hanging Temple. If you're afraid of heights, just walk the plank road below. 🍜 Back in the city, eat knife-cut noodles and lamb offal soup. The shumai at Fengling Pavilion is expensive but worth a try. The Datong Ancient City Wall lights up at night; cycling around it takes 40 minutes. It's windy, so remember to bring a jacket. Perfect for those who love ancient architecture and grottoes. Two days is just right. 07 Zhoukou | Henan Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum: Located in Huaiyang. There's a temple fair during National Day, which is crowded but lively. 📍 The cypress forest in front of the mausoleum is very quiet. Go at 7:00 AM; the scent of incense mixed with dew makes it feel like a different world from the outside. 🚄 A taxi from Zhoukou East Station takes about 40 minutes; don't take unlicensed taxis. Taiqing Palace is in Luyi, the hometown of Laozi. It's quieter than the Fuxi Mausoleum. ⚠️ The two places are in different directions, so doing both in one day is rushed. I suggest splitting them into two days. The explanatory signs at Taiqing Palace are better than the tour guides, so take your time reading them. 🍜 Huaiyang's Fangbudai roast chicken and compressed steamed buns are specialties. Luyi's "mahu" is only available in the morning. Perfect for those interested in history and culture. There are folk performances during the National Day temple fair, but don't buy those "blessed" items—you know what I mean. Stay in downtown Zhoukou; it's cheap and convenient. 08 Xing'an League | Inner Mongolia Arxan: Autumn has arrived by National Day. The birch forests have turned yellow, which is ten times more beautiful than in summer. ⏰ Go to Tuofengling Heavenly Lake at 7:00 AM. The morning mist hasn't cleared, and the whole lake looks like a blue sapphire. 🚄 Fly to Ulanhot and then charter a car, or take the train to Arxan Station. Chartering a car costs about CNY 500 per day. The forest park ticket is valid for two days. Don't rush it in one day; it's tiring and not worth it. 📍 In the morning, there are herds of cattle drinking water at the Unfrozen River. The steam rising is perfect for photos. ⚠️ It's below freezing at night during National Day, so bring a down jacket. Don't trust the 10-degree forecast. 🍜 Eat hand-grabbed meat and milk tea in Arxan city; Yiershi Town is cheaper. Perfect for road trips and photography enthusiasts. The road conditions are good, but gas stations are scarce, so fill up whenever you see one. For hot springs, go to Jinjianggou; the outdoor pools facing the forest are amazing with the contrast of cold and hot. National Day is the perfect time to go; any later and it will snow and the roads will be closed. Of these eight places, I highly recommend Arxan and Puzhehei—one has legendary autumn colors, and the other is less crowded and beautiful. Where are you planning to go for National Day? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll help you avoid the pitfalls.

Have a blast on weekends without taking leave; a 2-day, 1-night National Day getaway is ready to go. 01 Baoding | Hebei Between the Western Qing Tombs and Yesanpo, I choose the Western Qing Tombs. Yesanpo is great for rafting and water fights in summer, but by National Day, the water is too cold, and getting wet can easily lead to a cold. The pine forests at the Western Qing Tombs are truly easy to walk through. ⏰ Arrive at Tailing Tomb before 10:00 AM. The ancient pines on both sides of the Sacred Way filter the sunlight into golden flecks, and the stone path is flat, making it easy even if you're pushing a wheelchair for seniors. 📍 The corner of the red wall on the east side of Tailing Tomb is a great spot for portraits without having to fight for space. The queue for the Baishishan glass skywalk can make you question your life choices. ⚠️ During the National Day holiday, the cable car generally stops selling uphill tickets after 3:00 PM. If you want to walk the skywalk, get there early; don't wait until noon to head up the mountain. The reeds at Anxin Baiyangdian are just starting to turn yellow this season. 🚄 It takes about an hour by taxi from Baoding East Station. 🍜 For the stewed mixed fish with corn cakes at the lakeside farmhouses, pick the one with the most people. Avoid the empty ones, as the fish is less likely to be fresh. 02 Fangchenggang | Guangxi I recommend visiting Leshan Ancient Fishing Village and the Fangchenggang coast separately. Trying to cram both into one day just means rushing around and taking photos, without actually enjoying any good food. Leshan Ancient Fishing Village is best visited at low tide. ⏰ Check the tide table. After the tide goes out, you can walk hundreds of meters onto the mudflats. There are little crabs and seashells everywhere, and kids can squat and play for two hours. 📍 The row of old stone houses at the village entrance, with walls pitted by the sea breeze, looks more authentic in photos than any filter. I recommend cycling along the Fangchenggang coast. 🚄 Rent an e-bike near Fangchenggang North Station and ride south along the Xiwan Greenway. The sea breeze hitting your face feels great. ⚠️ Don't eat at the seafood stalls at the scenic area entrance. Head toward the Port District wet market, and you'll cut the price by a third. 🍜 For breakfast, go for rolled rice noodles and seafood porridge. The stalls where locals squat to eat are the most reliable. 03 Hengyang | Hunan For Nanyue Hengshan and Nanyue Grand Temple, I suggest visiting the temple first, then the mountain. The temple is at the foot of the mountain, so you can head straight up after exploring, without backtracking. Nanyue Grand Temple opens at 7:00 AM. ⏰ Get there early; it's popular, but before the crowds pile up, you can take clear photos. 📍 The stone steps in front of the main hall offer the perfect angle for shooting the temple's upturned eaves. Ticket reservation rules are subject to official daily announcements, and crowd control is standard during National Day. For Hengshan, I recommend taking the bus up and walking down. ⚠️ If you hike the whole way up and down, your knees will hate you the next day. The stairs from Banshanting to Nantianmen are steep, so hold children's hands tightly. 🍜 The Hengyang rice noodles at the foot of the mountain start serving at 6:00 AM. Don't add too many toppings, and keep in mind that locals consider "medium spicy" the starting point. 04 Changzhi | Shanxi Between the Taihang Grand Canyon and Baquan Gorge, I choose Baquan Gorge. The canyon is a broad area, but Baquan Gorge is the highlight; if you're short on time, head straight there. The water in Baquan Gorge is green. ⏰ Enter the scenic area before 9:00 AM. During the boat ride, the light slants into the canyon, making the water color look most transparent. 📍 The bend in the boardwalk after getting off the boat is a great spot to capture the depth of the canyon. ⚠️ The queues for the cable car and elevator during National Day are insane. I recommend buying a package ticket that includes transportation rather than buying individual tickets on-site to avoid the hassle. If you're with seniors, the elevator is much friendlier than climbing stairs. 🍜 At the farmhouses outside the scenic area, order a serving of Changzhi cured donkey meat with flatbread; it's much more satisfying than the 30-yuan bowl of noodles inside. 🚄 It's about a one-hour drive from Changzhi East Station; ride-sharing is less stressful than the bus. 05 Zhoukou | Henan Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum and Taiqing Palace are not close to each other; you'll need to start early to do both in one day. I suggest focusing on Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum and seeing if you have time for Taiqing Palace. The ancient cypresses in front of the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum are impressively old. ⏰ Go in the morning when it's less crowded, so you can walk the central axis in peace. 📍 The Tongtian Hall in front of the mausoleum has an eave structure worth looking up at for three minutes. Taiqing Palace is in Luyi, 🚄 over an hour away from downtown Zhoukou. If you're not that into Taoist culture, you can skip it and save your time to explore the Fuxi Mausoleum at a leisurely pace. ⚠️ Both scenic areas have folk performances during National Day. Check official daily announcements for specific times; don't rely on old guides. 🍜 For breakfast in downtown Zhoukou, have spicy soup (hulatang) with fried dough sticks. Locals don't add vinegar to the soup. 06 Hohhot | Inner Mongolia Don't force a visit to Laoniuwan Yellow River Canyon and Chilechuan Grassland if the season isn't right. By National Day, the grassland has already turned yellow, but Laoniuwan is at its best. For the bend in the Yellow River at Laoniuwan, ⏰ the light hitting the water after 4:00 PM creates beautiful color layers. 📍 The small path to the left of the viewing platform is less crowded and offers a full view of the canyon. 🚄 It's about a two-hour drive from downtown Hohhot; I recommend chartering a car or driving yourself. The grass at Chilechuan Grassland is yellow this season. If you only want to take photos of green grass, you'll be disappointed. But autumn has its own sense of openness, and horseback riding is much cheaper than in peak season. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is huge. On National Day, it can drop to single digits at night, so you must bring a jacket. 🍜 In the city, shaomai is sold by the "liang" (50g), with 8 pieces per liang. Don't order it like you would dumplings. 07 Weinan | Shaanxi I don't recommend climbing Huashan during the day on National Day. It's packed, and you'll spend more time queuing than climbing. My method is to climb at night. ⏰ Start from Yuquan Temple at 10:00 PM and arrive at East Peak in the early morning to wait for the sunrise, which helps you avoid the daytime crowds. ⚠️ Bring enough water for the night climb; bottled water prices on the mountain are doubled. A headlamp and gloves are essential. 📍 The East Peak Sunrise Viewing Platform is the most crowded spot. Walk a bit further south and find a rock to sit on; the view is just as good. If you don't want to climb at night, take the West Peak cable car up and the North Peak cable car down. 🚄 There is a free shuttle bus from Huashan North Station to the Tourist Center. If you're with seniors or children, taking the West Peak cable car both up and down is the easiest on your legs. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, go to Huayin city for "dadao" noodles. One bowl will fill you up, and it's a hundred times better than the instant noodles on the mountain. 08 Qiqihar | Heilongjiang Before going to Zhalong Nature Reserve, check the release times. The red-crowned crane release happens at fixed times; if you miss it, all that's left to see are the reeds. ⏰ The morning release has better light and fewer crowds. 📍 Stand in the first row of the wooden boardwalk directly in front of the release area to capture the moment the cranes fly overhead. ⚠️ Don't chase the cranes—the staff will yell at you—and don't feed them. The reed marshes are golden this season. 🚄 It's about a 40-minute taxi ride from downtown Qiqihar; there are buses, but they are slow. The electric carts in the scenic area cost extra, but if you're fit, walking the boardwalk is more enjoyable. 🍜 Head back to the city for Qiqihar barbecue—marinated meat with onions, served with garlic slices and lettuce. It's better value than anything near the scenic area. For a 2-day, 1-night National Day trip: see the pines in Baoding, go clamming in Fangchenggang, hike in Hengyang, see the water in Changzhi, visit historical sites in Zhoukou, chase the Yellow River in Hohhot, climb at night in Weinan, or wait for the cranes to fly in Qiqihar. Pick the one closest to you and go—don't wait until you've saved up enough vacation days. Which one have you been to? Let us know in the comments.

Don't want to fight the National Day crowds? 8 quiet small cities to explore at your own pace 01 Zhoukou | Henan If you're looking for a place with fewer people and a sense of history for National Day, Zhoukou is a great choice. Don't expect trendy photo spots here; instead, it offers a whole set of reasons to slow down. ⏰ In the morning, head to the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone. Arrive before the tour buses to enjoy the scent of cypress trees in the air and a peaceful walk. The mausoleum area is large, so wear comfortable shoes. If seniors have trouble walking, they can take the sightseeing shuttle. 📍 In the afternoon, head to Taiqing Palace. The two spots are not far apart, about a 30-minute taxi ride. This is the hometown of Laozi, and the ancient cypress trees in front of the hall are older than many cities. Hire a guide to get a better understanding, or you might just end up rushing through. 🍜 Don't settle for food at the entrance of the scenic area. Head back to the city center for a bowl of Xiaoyao Town hot and sour soup with pan-fried buns. "Liangchan" (a mix of two types of soup) is the local code. ⚠️ Taiqing Palace stops admitting visitors after 5:00 PM, so don't cut it too close. 02 Linfen | Shanxi I recommend splitting this Linfen itinerary into two days. If you cram three spots into one day, you'll end up just remembering the highway. The Hongdong Dahuaishu Ancestor Worship Park is best visited in the morning when it's less crowded and the light is soft. The atmosphere in front of the offering hall is perfect for a leisurely stroll. 🚄 It's about a 40-minute taxi ride from Linfen West Station. There are buses, but they run infrequently. You should set aside half a day for the Yellow River Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area. ⏰ After 3:00 PM, the side lighting hits the water mist, making it highly likely you'll see a rainbow. ⚠️ The muddy ground by the bank is slippery. Don't climb over the railings for photos. It's cheaper to buy shoe covers on-site than to bring your own. Yunqiu Mountain is perfect for the second day. The ice cave cluster is its highlight; you need a jacket even in summer, and it's much less crowded than Hukou during National Day. It's great for families with kids and hikers. The cable car plus walking combination is the least tiring. 03 Pingxiang | Jiangxi I've been to Wugong Mountain twice, once on a sunny day and once on a rainy day. My conclusion: the weather determines the experience, but your mindset determines the fun. 🚄 There are direct buses from Pingxiang North Station to the scenic area. Don't believe the people at the station trying to solicit business by saying "chartering a car is a better deal." During National Day, the cable car queue can make you question your life choices, so ⏰ I recommend arriving at the mountain gate before 7:00 AM. 📍 The Golden Summit is a must-visit, but the real photo-worthy spot is the meadow section from Diaomazhuang to the Golden Summit. In late September and early October, the grass starts turning yellow and ripples like waves in the wind. Camping to watch the stars is a signature activity. ⚠️ It gets close to 0°C at night on the summit, so renting a military-style overcoat is more reliable than bringing a thin sleeping bag. If you don't want to crowd the Golden Summit, head toward Fayunjie. It's half as crowded, and the scenery is just as good. If you're with seniors or children, take the two-stage cable car to Zhong'an and then walk up slowly; don't force yourself to hike the whole way. 04 Ningbo | Zhejiang The beauty of Ningbo is that it doesn't rush to impress you; instead, it makes you want to stay once you're there. 📍 Put Tianyi Pavilion and Moon Lake on your schedule for the first morning. You can't take photos inside the library, but the scent of old paper and camphor wood is worth putting your phone away for. There are seniors playing chess by Moon Lake; sitting there for a while is more comfortable than rushing between attractions. In the afternoon, head to the Xikou Tengtou Scenic Area, which is about an hour from the city center 🚄. Tengtou Village is great for families. If you buy the thousand-layer cake in Xikou Town, get it fresh out of the oven; the texture isn't as good once it cools down. ⚠️ The Xuedou Mountain cable car has capacity limits during National Day, so check the reservation rules on official channels in advance. Save the second day for Qiantong Ancient Town. ⏰ At 7:00 AM, Qiantong is almost empty. The stream flows through the village, and the stone paths are still damp. The local breakfast is Qiantong old tofu and dried tofu, paired with a bowl of soy milk. Don't come at noon; the light is harsh and it gets crowded. 05 Chifeng | Inner Mongolia Hashhatu Stone Forest Scenic Area—the name is a mouthful, and the place is truly remote. But because it's remote, it's peaceful during National Day. 🚄 It's about a three-hour drive from Chifeng Station. I recommend chartering a car or joining a one-day tour, as public transportation is basically not an option. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM, when the morning light hits the stone formations at an angle, making the textures look like they were carved by a knife. 📍 It takes about two hours to walk through the core area. Don't wear sandals; the gravel road is hard on your feet. It's windy, so wear a hat with a chin strap. There aren't many commercial facilities here, so ⚠️ bring enough water and snacks; you won't find a decent lunch inside the scenic area. It's suitable for people who like geology and photography. If you're bringing children, tell them a little about glaciers and wind erosion beforehand, otherwise they'll just think it's a pile of rocks. Catch the sunset over the grassland on your way back; it's worth the trip. 06 Foshan | Guangdong Foshan is the kind of city you think you know well, but only realize you haven't fully explored once you're there. When visiting during National Day, focus on avoiding the crowds at Lingnan Tiandi. 📍 Go to Qinghui Garden in the morning. The garden is small but exquisite. ⏰ Get there when it opens at 8:30 AM to take photos of the Manchurian windows without any passersby in the frame. At Minxin Old Shop on the nearby Huagai Road Pedestrian Street, get the cold double-skin milk; the hot one is a bit too sweet. Head up Xiqiao Mountain in the afternoon. 🚄 It's about a 40-minute taxi ride from the city center. There's the Nanhai Guanyin statue and Baiyun Cave on the mountain. The cable car and walking paths are separate; if you're with seniors, I recommend taking the cable car both ways. ⚠️ Parking spaces at the foot of the mountain are limited during National Day, so arrive early or just take the bus. Foshan is perfect for a two-day, one-night trip. In the evening, find an old-established restaurant to eat Shunde cuisine. Don't order too much raw fish or steamed pork at once; the portions are generous. For family trips, the Tingyin Lake area at the foot of Xiqiao Mountain is a great place to take the kids. 07 Yulin | Guangxi Yulin isn't a traditional tourist city, so it's actually more relaxed during National Day. Its attractions are scattered, making it suitable for a road trip. 📍 Put Darong Mountain National Forest Park on the first day. ⏰ It's best to go after the rain, when the clouds and mist wrap around the mountainside like an ink wash painting. The mountain roads are winding, so new drivers should take it slow. The temperature on the mountain is 5–6 degrees lower than in the city, so bring a light jacket. The second day is for the city route: Yuntian Cultural City and Wanhua Tower. The exterior of Yuntian Cultural City is stunning, but the internal exhibitions depend on your personal interest. ⚠️ The ticket isn't cheap, so decide in advance if you want to go in. Wanhua Tower is better in the evening, when the river breeze is comfortable. 🍜 Yulin beef jerky and beef brisket noodles are must-eats. Old street-side shops are more reliable than mall restaurants. It's suitable for people who aren't in a rush and want a change of pace for the holiday. If you have children, you can spend half a day at the Darong Mountain camping area. 08 Chizhou | Anhui The vibe of Mount Jiuhua is the one stop on this list I most want to keep to myself. Mount Jiuhua isn't exactly empty during National Day, but as long as you avoid peak times, you can find some peace and quiet. 🚄 There are direct buses from Chizhou Station to the Mount Jiuhua Tourist Center, taking about an hour. ⏰ Either catch the first bus up the mountain at 6:30 AM, or enter the core area after 3:00 PM; the time in between is packed with people. 📍 The Roushen Hall and Baisui Palace are the main route. If the cable car queue is long, switch to walking. The stone steps are well-maintained, and you can get there in an hour and a half if you walk slowly. ⚠️ Prices on the mountain are high, so buy incense and candles at the foot of the mountain. Don't get pulled into "donations" in front of the halls. Staying on the mountain is a better experience than staying at the foot, as you can see the two quietest times: evening and early morning. 🍜 The vegetarian meal is worth trying once; the rock ear scrambled eggs and dried bamboo shoots are local specialties. It's suitable for people who want to clear their minds and are willing to do some walking. Of these eight places, if I had to pick three most worth visiting during National Day, they would be Chizhou, Linfen, and Chifeng. Fewer people, authentic scenery, and you set your own pace. Which direction are you planning to choose? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll help you see if the route makes sense.