Xuancheng travel guide and discussion

Hidden in the heart of Bukit Batok, Zhulin Lianhe Temple is honestly a total heritage treasure — it’s like stumbling into a secret slice of history right in the neighbourhood. 🧡🏯 The second I saw that iconic entrance, I was OBSESSED. The archway pops in brilliant reds and golds, with those swooping curved roofs and epic dragon carvings that basically scream old-school vibes and legendary craftsmanship. Every single detail, from the glimmering golden Chinese characters to the delicate patterns along the rooftops, is sooo photogenic. Seriously, this place is Instagram goals. 🐉✨ Once you step inside, the city noise just… disappears. The gentle whiff of incense instantly chills out your senses and the peaceful energy just hits different. The temple’s main halls are decked out with dazzling lanterns, stunning altars, and revered statues — each corner giving you major zen feels. You don’t have to be there for prayers; it’s just the ultimate chill spot to pause, breathe, and vibe with the calming spirit of the place. 🕯️🙏 I spent ages just wandering around, totally blown away by how perfectly this heritage gem is kept. It’s seriously a sparkly, cultural highlight in the west side. Whether you wanna pray, snap gorgeous shots, or escape for a bit of quiet, Zhulin Lianhe Temple leaves you with the best warm fuzzies. You’ll walk away refreshed and just a little in awe. 💛 Essential deets so you don’t get lost: 📍 Zhulin Lianhe Temple 395 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore 658963 ⏰ Tip: Temple is generally open daily—swing by in the morning for peaceful vibes. Ready for a little magic in your week? Go check it out and soak in all that timeless chill.

This is a hidden treasure and secluded fairyland in southern Anhui✨ Xialin Scenic Area is tucked away in the valley of Zhongxi Town, Ningguo, Anhui🏞 🕹 Exact location: Xialin Village, Zhongxi Town, Ningguo County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province 🌳 Scenic area size: 17.4 square kilometers of natural oxygen bar 🚗 Travel tip: Driving yourself offers more freedom~ 📸 Best for photos: The waterfalls after rain are breathtaking! 🌊【Must-visit spots】 ▪️ Longxu Waterfall: Rainbows often appear🌈 ▪️ Wulong Pool: Crystal-clear turquoise water💦 ▪️ Natural Stone Bridge: A masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship✨ ▪️ Wolong Valley: A super healing forest with lush shade🌳 📌 Tips for visiting: 1️⃣ Be sure to wear non-slip, comfortable shoes👟 2️⃣ Bring a friend who can take great photos📸 3️⃣ Prepare some snacks🍎 Next up➡️🏨【Where to stay in Jinhua】 Yongkang Four Seasons Fashion Hotel is a great choice! 📍 Location: Within walking distance to Yongkang Old Street 🌟 Special services: ☑️ Free breakfast ☑️ Warm late-night roasted sweet potatoes🍠 ☑️ Close to the high-speed rail station🚅 Save this ultra-hidden summer getaway now! Remember to like❤️

8 must-visit off-the-beaten-path travel spots🏡 fewer crowds, stunning views, and affordable! Want to escape the crowds but worried about bad experiences? These 8 super hidden travel gems are a must-save🌟 From grasslands to ancient towns, each will amaze your social feed~ The best part is affordable admission and fewer tourists, making your trip absolutely enjoyable! 1️⃣ Ulan Butong Grassland A lesser-known grassland that rivals Hulunbuir! The best season is July–August. Horseback riding at sunset and stargazing are incredibly romantic🐎 2️⃣ Chaji Ancient Village 📍 Chaji Village, Taohua Tan Town, Jing County, Xuancheng City 💰 61 CNY / open all day The pinnacle of Huizhou architecture! Preserves the original look of a thousand-year-old village with bluestone paths, white walls, black tiles, and babbling streams—perfect for sketching and photography📷 3️⃣ Dongying Wetland A wild birdwatching paradise at the Yellow River estuary🦅 Bring binoculars to see red-crowned cranes and remember to wear waterproof shoes! 4️⃣ Mangshi Peacock Lake A secret spot on Yunnan’s border🌴 Southeast Asian vibes plus tropical rainforest, hot springs for soaking tired feet, and authentic Dai-style barbecue! 5️⃣ Taining Dajin Lake A hidden Danxia wonder in Fujian⛵ Take a boat through the Red Cliff Canyon where the water is so clear you can see the fish swimming~ 6️⃣ Suizhou Ginkgo Valley Transforms into a golden ocean every November🍂 Thousands of ancient ginkgo trees cover the land. Wearing Hanfu here feels like stepping back to the Tang dynasty! 7️⃣ Songyang Ancient Village The last secret of Jiangnan recommended by National Geographic🏮 Earthen houses under ancient camphor trees, shrouded in mist like a traditional Chinese landscape painting 8️⃣ Kashgar Old Town 📍 140 Jiefang North Road, Kashgar Prefecture 💰 Free / open 24 hours The ultimate exotic vibe! Maze-like streets hide colorful doorways, the aroma of baked buns fills the alleys, and it’s a filming location for the movie The Kite Runner📸 💡 Tips: · Stay in a guesthouse in Chaji for magical morning mist · The opening ceremony of Kashgar Old Town starts daily at 10:30 AM · Ulan Butong has big temperature swings between morning and night, bring a warm jacket · Don’t forget insect repellent in Mangshi!

Many people worry about crowds and traffic jams when traveling the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route during short holidays, especially at Moon Bay, which becomes completely congested during holidays, making it impossible to enjoy properly. In fact, there are many less crowded and more beautiful spots along the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route. Today, I’m sharing a Ningguo self-driving travel guide to help you avoid the crowds at Moon Bay and have a comfortable and happy trip. On the first day, arrive in Jixi County at noon, find a hotel to drop off your luggage, then head to Longchuan Scenic Area in the afternoon. Longchuan Scenic Area is an ancient Hu family village with a history of 1,600 years, rich in historical and cultural heritage. The wooden carvings in the Hu family ancestral hall are national treasures, exquisitely crafted and breathtaking. After leaving Longchuan Scenic Area, visit Renli Ancient Village, an original ecological village with a history of 1,400 years, free from excessive commercialization, very quiet and with few people. During holidays, there is a unique fish lantern performance here, definitely worth seeing. If you have more time, you can hike the Hui-Hang Ancient Trail to experience the charm of the ancient trade route or visit Zhangshan Grand Canyon to cool off and play in the water, which is especially refreshing in summer. On the second day, depart from Jixi County and officially enter the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route. The first stop is Qingtan Bridge, where the scenery is especially beautiful with green mountains, clear water, and small bridges over flowing streams—perfect for photos. Then head to Meiganling, the starting point of the Anhui-Zhejiang Sky Road, home to the most beautiful terraced fields in Huizhou. In spring, the terraces are covered with blooming rapeseed flowers, a sea of gold; in autumn, the ripe rice ears turn golden, both stunningly beautiful. Have lunch in Jiapeng Township and try the local specialties, which taste great. In the afternoon, visit Chujia Beach, known as the "Little Guilin of Anhui," where the mountains and waters look like a beautiful ink painting. It’s the first stop on the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route. Stay overnight at a guesthouse in Xijin Yedu, which has a wonderful environment—you can see the mountain and water scenery just by opening the window. On the third day, get up early and take advantage of fewer people to ride a bamboo raft on Chujia Beach. If it rained the night before and the next day is sunny, Chujia Beach will be shrouded in mist, with distant mountains hazy, like stepping into a long ink painting—truly beautiful. After the bamboo raft ride, visit a café at Chujia Beach, find a window seat, sip coffee, and enjoy the mountain and water views outside—very relaxing. Then go to the Bald Cypress Wetland Park, which has 3,000 acres of water forest. In summer, it’s lush green; in autumn, it turns red—both very beautiful. You can take a bamboo raft to tour the water cypress forest and experience the charm of the water forest up close. Next, visit Huiyun Zen Temple, where you can overlook the entire Qinglong Bay. The scenery is especially beautiful, and in the morning you can see morning mist and a sea of clouds, like a fairyland. In the afternoon, enjoy the thrilling and fun Qinglong Bay go-karting experience. The café next to the go-kart area is also highly recommended, with a great environment and water play options. On the fourth day, visit Ningguo Helixi Old Street in the morning, stroll through the old street, and experience the local lively atmosphere. Check in at Kawangka and Zhanji Peach Crisp, and try Ningdun Sauce Duck, which tastes especially delicious—highly recommended. Have lunch on the old street, then head back, ending this pleasant Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route trip. This Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route trip was really comfortable—no traffic jams, no crowded crowds, and a lot of fun. In the future, when traveling the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route during holidays, be sure to avoid Moon Bay and visit these less crowded and beautiful places for a much better experience. Accommodation 🏨Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route Qiyou Design Guesthouse A design-focused guesthouse near Chujia Beach, with mountains and waters right outside the door 🏨Zhenyeshu Guesthouse A high-end villa guesthouse with a private pool and garden, perfect for family gatherings 🏨Chujia Beach No. 8 Guesthouse Built near Chujia Beach, offering ink-painting-like mountain and water views, great value for money 🏨Qinglong Bay Lakeside Guesthouse Located by Qinglong Bay lake, with beautiful scenery, ideal for leisure and vacation

Nestled between the mountains and waters of Jixi, Southern Anhui, the Dengyuan Mansion Resort Hotel by the Dengyuan River in Shuicun, Fuling Town, is a hidden gem for unlocking the poetic charm of Huizhou-style vacations. Built along the river and beside the mountains, the hotel boasts a tranquil 3,600-square-meter courtyard. Its authentic Huizhou architecture with white walls and black tiles is arranged harmoniously, blending seamlessly with the surrounding green mountains, clear waters, and pastoral scenery. It sheds the hustle and bustle of city life, bringing the artistic conception of Southern Anhui ink paintings into everyday travel living, making it an ideal base for exploring Longchuan Scenic Area, the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail, and the Anhui-Zhejiang Sky Road. As a light luxury resort residence in the core scenic area of Jixi, the hotel enjoys a prime location at the heart of Dengyuan River Bridge. It is very convenient for self-driving, with moderate driving distances to major popular attractions. Whether visiting the thousand-year-old Longchuan Ancient Village, hiking the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail, exploring the Zhangshan Grand Canyon, or cruising the Anhui-Zhejiang mountain roads, you can quickly return to the hotel without rushing, easily connecting the entire Jixi region’s natural and cultural journey. The overall architecture inherits the authentic Huizhou style with elegant, ancient flying eaves and upturned corners. The courtyard is quiet and serene, dotted with plants, and the gentle river flows around the entrance. In the morning, mist drifts over the white walls; at dusk, the sunset bathes the black tiles in warm light. During the day, guests can enjoy views of lush green mountains and patchwork fields; at night, the sound of flowing water and chirping insects creates a Jiangnan charm at every step. Without the noise of city traffic, only the relaxed and healing atmosphere of mountain villages remains, allowing every traveler to shed their fatigue and immerse themselves in the leisurely and pleasant slow life of Southern Anhui. The hotel rooms combine Huizhou elegance with modern comfort. The living spaces, newly optimized and upgraded in 2025, are bright, clean, and well-appointed. There is a wide variety of room types, including scenic king rooms, scenic twin rooms, and river view balcony rooms, ranging from 30 to 40 square meters with spacious, square layouts and excellent natural lighting. Most rooms feature panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and viewing balconies, offering guests stunning views of the mountains, rivers, and countryside right outside their windows. The interior design continues the minimalist luxury style, with warm solid wood furniture paired with simple, elegant soft furnishings, creating a rustic yet sophisticated Huizhou atmosphere. The entire hotel is equipped with an intelligent guest control system, independent dry and wet separated bathrooms, smart toilets, branded toiletries, central constant-temperature hot water, silent air conditioning, and high-definition TVs, with attention to every detail. The bedding is made from skin-friendly materials, changed after each guest, clean and dry, with excellent sound insulation. Guests can hear birdsong and gentle breezes by day and fall asleep to the sound of flowing water at night. The rooms balance aesthetics, comfort, and privacy, making them perfect for trips with friends, couples’ vacations, or short family getaways, ensuring a peaceful and comfortable stay. The joy of travel always includes local flavors. The hotel specializes in authentic Jixi cuisine, inheriting over 20 years of genuine Huizhou culinary skills. It rejects mass-produced pre-made dishes, sourcing ingredients mainly from local mountains, fields, rivers, and native products, faithfully recreating the distinctive flavors of Southern Anhui. A hearty buffet breakfast is served in the morning, featuring a variety of grains, pastries, porridges, and side dishes that are light, nourishing, and balanced. For lunch and dinner, guests can order à la carte, with options ranging from budget-friendly to premium. The signature home-style dishes are fresh and flavorful, unlocking the authentic Huizhou culinary spirit in every bite. The hotel also offers a spacious lobby and special dining rooms, suitable for gatherings with friends, team-building meals, and other occasions. The facilities cater to both leisure and practicality, fully meeting vacation needs. The public lobby is open and bright, furnished with tea sets and snacks, where guests can relax, chat, and enjoy tea. The hotel’s gentle pets add to the healing atmosphere. There is also a self-service laundry room, new energy vehicle charging stations, and free parking spaces, addressing the essential needs of self-driving travelers. Entertainment areas include chess and card rooms and a leisure courtyard, perfect for daytime mountain and water adventures and evening chats, tea drinking, and scenic viewing, unlocking a relaxed and pleasant vacation routine. Unlike commercialized trendy homestays, Dengyuan Mansion Resort Hotel holds the purest warmth of Southern Anhui. Thoughtful and meticulous local services are gentle and attentive, showing warmth in every detail. Here, there is no need to rush schedules or cater to noise; just slow down, fall asleep to the sound of the Dengyuan River, and live surrounded by Huizhou’s mountain scenery. Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and mountain spirit of ancient Huizhou, making every trip to Jixi a healing and private journey through nature and culture.

Hidden around Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai is a fairyland called the "Little Lijiang of Southern Anhui" — Pingyuan Secret Realm in Jing County 🌿 Here, there are no crowded crowds, only green mountains, clear waters, and vast bamboo seas, making it an excellent place to escape the heat and enjoy water activities with kids! 🌿 Why bring your kids here · Close distance: Only a 2-hour drive from Hefei and Nanjing, with convenient high-speed rail access · Cooler temperature: Average summer temperature is 25°C, 5-8°C cooler than the city, perfect for summer relief · Plenty of activities: Bamboo raft drifting, creek tracing and fish catching, forest mini train, cute pet interactions—kids can play all day without getting bored · Beautiful scenery: The Huishui River winds through lush green mountains on both sides, every snapshot looks like an ink painting 🎫 Practical Information · Address: Pingyuan Village, Huangcun Town, Jing County, Xuancheng City · Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:00 PM · Admission: Free, individual activities charge separately · Best time to visit: June to August for summer water fun; April to May and September to October for morning mist over the bamboo sea 🚗 Transportation Guide · By car: Navigate to "Pingyuan Secret Realm Pier," Pier No.1 offers free parking, Fengyang Market parking costs 20 RMB/day · By high-speed rail: Arrive at Jing County Station, then a 40-minute taxi ride to the scenic area · Inside the park: Sightseeing buses and shared bikes are available for easy travel ✅ Must-try family activities 1. Bamboo Raft Drifting: Electric bamboo rafts are stable and safe, a 50-minute ride with picturesque views on both sides, kids love it 2. Creek Tracing and Water Play: Near Xiaolan Mountain Waterfall, many shallow and clear pools where kids can catch fish and flip crabs 3. Forest Mini Train: An 18-minute slow ride through the bamboo sea, very atmospheric 4. Cute Pet Interaction: Feed alpacas, pot-bellied pigs, and dairy cows; kids enjoy close contact with animals 5. Paddleboarding and Kayaking: Older kids can try paddling on the calm lake, very soothing 🍜 Food Recommendations · Fengyang Market offers many local snacks and coffee shops · Try local specialties like dried bamboo shoots with braised pork, spicy wild fish, and Maolin Hu (a local dish) · The mountain-view coffee shop has a fantastic atmosphere, perfect for adults to relax ⚠️ Family Travel Tips · Bring extra clothes and creek shoes as water play will get clothes wet · Use sun protection and insect repellent; there are many mosquitoes in the mountains · Bring snacks and water; prices inside the park are a bit high · Wear comfortable flat shoes for hiking and water activities Accommodation 🏨 County Shanbo Hidden World Hotel The only wild luxury hotel in the scenic area, featuring standalone wooden villas with private hot springs, windows open to bamboo seas and the Huishui River, winner of the 2024 Swiss LIV Hotel Design Award 🏨 Secret Realm Simple House Homestay Converted from 1980s staff dormitories, with a Muji-style design, fully equipped and quiet environment, ideal for families with children 🏨 County Taohuatan Poetry and Painting Hotel A high-end resort hotel by Taohuatan Lake, featuring Anhui-style architecture and stunning river views, with complete family facilities 🏨 County Chaji Demaotang Resort Hotel A wild luxury hotel renovated from a century-old Anhui-style ancient residence, preserving authentic Huizhou charm with excellent privacy

Weekend Escape Plan✨4 lesser-known small towns, few people, beautiful scenery, super comfortable. Shanghai weekend quick trips🔥2h direct to 4 hidden gem towns! Few people, legendary✨ Who understands! Working people don’t take leave on weekends✨ From Shanghai, fastest 1h, farthest 2h direct🚄 Anji🌿 / Jinxi Ancient Town🌊 / Jixi🏯 / Xiangshan🌊 Bamboo sea · ancient town · Huizhou style · seaside all unlocked with one click All are hidden gems with no crowds📸 🌿Anji|Relax and breathe fresh air · Bamboo sea healing at its best💚 📍Location: Anji County, Huzhou City 🚗Transportation High-speed rail: Shanghai Hongqiao → Anji 1.2h|Self-drive: 2h direct ✅Activities ▪️China’s Great Bamboo Sea 58r 🎫 Filming location of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon🎬 ▪️Xiaohangkeng 50r 🎫 Camping with sea of clouds, full Japanese vibe⛺️ ▪️Canglong Hundred Waterfalls 60r 🎫 Stream tracing and water play, super refreshing💦 🍜Must-eat food Bamboo forest free-range chicken pot🍲|Braised dried bamboo shoots with pork🥓|Bamboo tube rice🎋 🏡Recommended accommodation Mountain luxury homestay, 300-500r per person🛏️ ✨Useful tips Light-colored clothes are great for photos📸|Cool mornings and evenings in the mountains, bring a light jacket🧥 🌊Jinxi Ancient Town|Jiangnan water town · So quiet you won’t want to leave💙 📍Location: No.18 Shaodian Port Road, Jinxi Town, Kunshan City 🚗Transportation High-speed rail → Kunshan South 20min + bus 30min|Self-drive 1.5h ✅Activities ▪️Ancient town streets Free🆓 Leisurely strolls are super comfortable🚶‍♀️ ▪️Attraction combo ticket 65r 🎫 Museum + Zen temple + Water tomb ▪️Hand-rowed boat 50r/h 🛶 Leisurely boating on the lake 🍜Must-eat food Sock bottom crisp pastry🥧|Bubble wontons🍜|Gorgon fruit cake🍡 🏡Recommended accommodation Waterside ancient style homestay, 150-200r per person🛖 ✨Useful tips Best photo times early morning/evening with no crowds and beautiful scenery🌅|Parking 10r/day🅿️ 🏯Jixi|Huizhou-style ancient village · Food and hiking both online🧡 📍Location: Jixi County, Xuancheng City 🚗Transportation High-speed rail → Jixi North 2h direct|Self-drive 2.5h ✅Activities ▪️Longchuan Scenic Area 75r 🎫 See stunning Huizhou wood carvings🪵 ▪️Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail 60r 🎫 Easy hiking, very relaxing🥾 ▪️Renli Ancient Village 50r 🎫 Pristine Ming and Qing dynasty village🏘️ 🍜Must-eat food Stinky mandarin fish🐟|Hu Shi specialty hot pot🍲|Jixi flatbread🫓 🏡Recommended accommodation Huizhou-style ancient village homestay, 180-250r per person🏡 ✨Useful tips Huizhou cuisine is salty, ask in advance👅|Wear comfortable shoes for hiking👟 🌊Xiangshan|East China Sea fishing village · Achieve seafood freedom💙 📍Location: Xiangshan County, Ningbo City 🚗Transportation High-speed rail → Ningbo 1.5h + bus 1h|Self-drive 2.5h ✅Activities ▪️Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town 60r 🎫 Explore the thousand-year-old fishing port⚓️ ▪️China Fishing Village Free🆓 Beach and lighthouse, super romantic🗼 ▪️Hua’ao Island 80r 🎫 Sea stone forest + tide pooling🐚 🍜Must-eat food Seafood noodles🍜|Swimming crab🦀|Rice buns🍙 🏡Recommended accommodation Seafront homestay, 200-350r per person🌊 ✨Useful tips Check tide tables for tide pooling🌊|Remember sunscreen by the sea🧴

Based on the development of the high-speed rail network and niche travel demands, here are 3 cities ideal for a short stay, directly reachable by high-speed rail, and offering a relaxed atmosphere along with unique experiences: 1. Zhejiang · Quzhou Why visit: Zhejiang’s hidden “spicy world,” accessible by high-speed rail. This city blends the gentleness of Jiangnan water towns with distinctive spicy cuisine, featuring a slow pace perfect for food exploration and historical visits. High-speed rail convenience: About 1 hour from Hangzhou to Quzhou, about 2 hours from Shanghai, with direct trains from multiple locations. 3-day itinerary suggestion: Day 1: After arrival, stroll through the Shuitingmen historical and cultural district, climb the ancient city wall to watch the sunset over the Qu River, and challenge yourself with the “Three Heads and One Palm” (rabbit head, duck head, fish head, duck palm) for dinner. Day 2: Explore the “Southern Confucius Holy Land” – the Kong family ancestral temple of the Southern branch (second only to Qufu in scale), then take an afternoon walk on Lanke Mountain, a filming location for "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio." Day 3: Visit Jianglang Mountain (a Danxia landform World Heritage site) or Longyou Grottoes (mysterious underground caves), then return in the evening. Accommodation suggestion: Stay in the old town for easy access to food and sightseeing. Niche highlight: The only spicy city in Zhejiang, dense with snacks but few tourists, perfect for travelers who want to explore an alternative Jiangnan. 2. Anhui · Xuancheng Why visit: Known as “The Hometown of China’s Four Treasures of the Study,” and the place where Li Bai wrote “Looking at each other without getting tired, only Jingting Mountain remains.” It blends poetic landscapes with Huizhou culture and is less commercialized. High-speed rail convenience: About 40 minutes from Nanjing to Xuancheng, about 1.5 hours from Hangzhou, with frequent trains on the Shanghai-Nanjing-Hefei route. 3-day itinerary suggestion: Day 1: Upon arrival, visit the Chinese Huizhou Cuisine Culture Museum, then take an evening stroll in Wanling Lake Wetland Park and enjoy local home-style Huizhou dishes. Day 2: Climb Jingting Mountain to seek the ancient poetic atmosphere, then visit Xie Tiao Tower and Xuancheng Museum in the afternoon to deepen your understanding of the Four Treasures culture. Day 3: Head to Chaji Ancient Village in Jing County (more pristine than Hongcun and Xidi) or Taohua Pond (visited by Li Bai), then return in the afternoon. Accommodation suggestion: Stay in Xuancheng city center or a guesthouse in Chaji Ancient Village. Niche highlight: Deeply experience Huizhou culture without crowds, ideal for art lovers and those longing for pastoral landscapes. 3. Guangxi · Liuzhou (off-peak times) Why visit: Beyond Luosifen (snail noodles), this is an underrated “mountain-water industrial city.” Karst landforms surround the city, the Li River night view rivals Chongqing, and prices are affordable. High-speed rail convenience: About 1 hour from Nanning to Liuzhou, about 3.5 hours from Guangzhou, with direct trains from many South China locations. 3-day itinerary suggestion: Day 1: Upon arrival, enjoy a bowl of authentic Luosifen, then climb Ma’an Mountain for panoramic city and Li River views, and take a water bus at night to admire the night scenery. Day 2: Visit the Bai Lotus Cave Science Museum (a niche and stunning spot), spend the afternoon at Longtan Park (free karst landscape), and check out Victory Barbecue City in the evening. Day 3: Visit Zhongdu Ancient Town (undeveloped) or Luzhai Xiangqiao Karst National Geopark, then return in the evening. Accommodation suggestion: Stay in the city center or by the Li River for convenient travel. Niche highlight: A unique blend of industry and natural scenery, with extremely rich cuisine, perfect for travelers who enjoy both urban exploration and nature. Recommendations: Prefer culture and cuisine: choose Quzhou (spicy Jiangnan) Prefer poetic countryside: choose Xuancheng (Huizhou essence) Prefer city and nature intertwined: choose Liuzhou (mountain-water industry) These small cities are well connected by high-speed rail, have a relaxed pace of life, feature local characteristics without being overcrowded, and are suitable for a brief “city change” experience. It is recommended to check the latest high-speed rail schedules and local festivals before traveling for a more immersive experience.

Really flooded with questions on social media! Here’s a detailed nanny-level guide to Xuancheng Redwood Forest, quickly save it! 📸 Best Viewing Period: Mid-November to early December is the best time to see the redwoods, with the red leaf index reaching over 60%, the forest dyed in layers, colorful and vibrant. 🚣‍♀️ Must-Try Activities: · Bamboo Rafting: Highly recommend taking a bamboo raft to weave through the forest. After the water level rises, the original embankments and boardwalks are submerged, making bamboo rafts a great way to travel through. The most beautiful time is early morning between 8-9 AM when the mist hasn’t cleared, with redwoods reflected in the water, dreamy and magical. Floating on a bamboo raft feels like traveling inside a painting. · Helicopter Aerial Tour: Qinglong Bay Airport offers helicopter tours. The aerial view of the redwood forest is spectacular, with vast bald cypress forests full of enchanting colors. 📍 Exact Location: Fangtang Township, Ningguo City, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province. Navigate to "Bald Cypress Wetland Park" or "Redwood Forest Scenic Area." 💡 Practical Tips: · Outfit: It’s recommended to wear white or beige clothes, which look great against the redwoods! The forest area is quite cool, so dress warmly. · Transportation: Self-driving is recommended. The redwood forest scenic area is an important stop on the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet route. The mountain roads are winding, so drive slowly and carefully. · Hidden Photo Spots: Panorama shots from the viewing platform, reflections by the water (there’s a small path down near the café at the top of the redwoods). ✨ Off-the-Beaten-Path Recommendations: · Xijin Ferry Morning Mist: At Chujia Tan Pier’s Xijin Ferry, morning mist lingers from 7-9 AM, and bamboo rafts drifting through feel like entering a fairyland (tickets purchased offline cost about 110 RMB/person). · Nearby Attractions: If you have time, visit Qinglong Bay Ecotourism Area and Chujia Tan to experience the misty and rainy "Ten-Mile Gallery."

Discovered a magical place, known as the Kanas of the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line✨ It’s the Dawn Redwood Forest Scenic Area hidden in the heart of Qinglong Bay, Fangtang Township, Ningguo City! Truly breathtakingly beautiful😭 🌊 Magical Water Forest: After the reservoir was filled, the dawn redwoods that originally grew on dry land "calmly" adapted to life in the water, now forming a dreamy water forest! This tree species called dawn redwood not only looks stunning, but its color-changing magic is the most amazing: spring and summer green → late autumn golden yellow → early winter fiery red🔥 unbelievably beautiful! 📍【Attraction Details】 💡Detailed Address: Dawn Redwood Forest Scenic Area, Fangtang Township, Ningguo City, Anhui Province 🚗Transportation: Self-driving recommended (navigate to "Dawn Redwood Forest Scenic Area"), enter from Ningguo on the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line ⏰Opening Hours: Open all day (bamboo raft operation 8:00-16:00) 🎫Ticket Info: Free admission, bamboo raft experience 60 RMB/person 🌟【Must-Visit Highlights】 1️⃣ Mid-November to early December is the best viewing period, miss it and wait a whole year! 2️⃣ Ride a bamboo raft through the redwood forest, like stepping into a fairy tale world🧚‍♀️ 3️⃣ The S345 Sichuan-Tibet Line itself is a stunning viewing platform with endless beautiful scenery along the way ⚠️【Useful Tips】 ✅Parking Advice: Limited parking at the scenic area, recommended to park at roadside spots about 1 km from the attraction and walk ✅Photo Spots: Early morning mist + sunrise are the most beautiful, rainy weather also has a unique charm ✅Food Recommendations: Farmhouses near Fangtang Township, be sure to try the local river delicacies and mountain treasures 📸Photo Tips: · Wear light-colored clothes for better photos · Morning light is the softest for shooting · Drone aerial shots are absolutely stunning! The water redwood forest this season really looks like a spilled palette of colors🎨 Promise me, you must come see this most passionate autumn color of Southern Anhui with your own eyes!

Staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in Xuancheng Economic Development Zone was a very pleasant journey. This hotel is located in Xuancheng Economic and Technological Development Zone, with convenient transportation and complete surrounding facilities, is an ideal choice for business and leisure travel. As soon as you enter the hotel lobby, you are attracted by its elegant and modern design. The lobby is spacious and bright, beautifully decorated, full of artistic atmosphere. The front desk staff are warm and friendly, and the check-in process is very quick and convenient. The hotel's room design is also very good, simple and comfortable. I stayed in a deluxe twin room, with complete facilities in the room, including a comfortable bed, a spacious wardrobe, an independent bathroom, etc. The furniture in the room is of high quality, giving people a warm and luxurious feeling. It is worth mentioning that the windows of the room can see the beautiful city scenery, which makes people feel very comfortable. The hotel's catering service is also very good. Breakfast offers a rich choice, including various Chinese and Western foods, to meet the taste needs of different people. Dinner is enjoyed in the hotel's restaurant, with a rich variety of dishes, authentic taste, and a feast for the mouth. In addition, the hotel also provides leisure facilities such as a gym and swimming pool, allowing me to relax after busy work or travel. The hotel's service staff are also very professional, whether it is room service or gym coaches, they are very enthusiastic and thoughtful, making people feel very comfortable. In summary, I am very satisfied with my stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Xuancheng Economic Development Zone. Whether it is the design, facilities, or services of the hotel, I am very satisfied. I would strongly recommend this hotel to my friends and family, and I believe they will also have a very good impression of this hotel like me.

Fuhua Community Xuangcheng, Ningguo, Anhui, China This rooftop Chinese restaurant is a must try when you visit Ningguo. You can be amazed with affordable prices of the variety of delicious food you can find on the menu. They’ve got good drinks too, like coffee and fruit juices. Moreover, you can have the best ambience, it’s clean, helpful friendly staff, and city view. It is located on the 3rd floor, you can take a lift up to the rooftop. I’ve indicated the map, so you can check it out. Be sure to try the soup, it’s super nice and the shrimps. Cheers! #ningguo#anhui #anhuitravel #food #restaurant #china #chinalife

Who would have thought that deep within a city park hides a thousand-year-old pagoda that has weathered the ages✨ In the misty, humid southern Anhui nestled among lush green trees, Jingde Temple Pagoda stands quietly With its unique curved body and layers of overlapping eaves the white walls bear the mottled traces of time and weathering wrapped in a sea of vibrant green trees The atmosphere on a rainy day is simply perfect🌧️ No need to travel to the distant suburbs just walk into Taying Park to encounter this ancient charm Stone steps, dense forests, and an ancient pagoda every brick and tile is filled with historical depth Standing beneath the pagoda and looking up, you see a thousand years of time feeling the unique, serene power of Jiangnan ancient architecture📜 One ancient pagoda, half the history of Xuancheng When in Xuancheng, don't miss this low-key cultural treasure 📌Tips: ▪️Location: Inside Taying Park, Xuancheng ▪️Anhui Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Unit; the pagoda cannot be climbed, but it is very photogenic from a distance ▪️The atmosphere is excellent on rainy days, with green trees and the gray pagoda creating a natural Chinese-style filter

A niche, thousand-year-old Huizhou-style village in Southern Anhui Pristine and uncrowded, it's perfect for a slow, relaxing stroll ✅ 🚗 Travel & Tickets · Self-drive from Shanghai: 4–4.5 hrs · Ticket: ¥65 in peak season / ¥55 in off-season, valid for 3 days · Remote location, only suitable for self-driving 🏯 Must-visit spots · Banks of Xu Creek: The creek flows through the village, with white walls reflecting in the clear water The light is soft in the morning and evening, offering a true Jiangnan ink-wash painting aesthetic · Honglou Bridge: The ancient village's iconic stone arch bridge You can observe the daily life of villagers and artists sketching, full of local charm · Degong Hall: A rare Yuan Dynasty structure with stunning, exquisite brick carvings · Erjia Ancestral Hall / Baogong Ancestral Hall: Benchmarks for Huizhou-style wood carvings and ancient ancestral halls, worth a close look · Guangyuan Tower Observation Deck: ¥10 to reach the top for a panoramic view of the whole village 🍜 Local food Average cost ¥40–60 per person, focusing on home-style Huizhou cuisine Stinky mandarin fish, hairy tofu, braised pork with dried bamboo shoots, and free-range chicken soup Chestnut pastries make for a good snack; overall, it's enough to keep you full ⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls · The village is quite small and can be explored in 2 hours. Not recommended as a standalone destination · The ticket value is average; it's better suited as a stop along a larger route · Summers are hot and humid with intense sun; rainy days or autumn offer the best experience · Facilities in the village are basic; there are no bubble tea shops or souvenir stores · The bluestone roads are uneven, making it difficult to use luggage carts 💡 Travel tips · Itinerary pairing: A one-day trip to Zhaji + Taohuatan, or combine it with the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route · Choose a homestay in the village. Average price is around ¥100, and the night view of the creek is super healing · Best time to visit: Autumn (October–November), when it's less crowded, cool, and great for photos

Driving from Hefei for National Day? These 4 routes offer good road conditions and beautiful scenery, perfect for a spontaneous trip. However, traffic jams are common during the holiday, so we recommend getting on the highway before 5:00 AM on October 1 and booking your accommodation in advance. · -- Route 1: Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line (a classic choice) Hefei → Ningguo → Jingxian → Hefei, about 3 days and 2 nights in total. Suitable for those who enjoy driving and scenic landscapes. · Route: Hefei → Qinglong Township, Ningguo → Chujiatan → Fangtang Township → Banqiao Village → Taoling Highway → Jingxian → Hefei · Highlights: Morning mist at Chujiatan, red cedar forest (not fully red by National Day, but still beautiful in green), 72 bends of Taoling Highway · Food & Stay: Stay at a homestay in Fangtang Township or Banqiao Village; try Ningguo baba and Jingxian Maolin paste · Tips: Taoling Highway has one-way traffic during holidays; it's best to pass before 8:00 AM. Not recommended for beginners. Route 2: Dabie Mountain Martin Highway (early autumn foliage) Hefei → Jinzhai → Mazongling → Tiantangzhai → Hefei, about 3 days and 2 nights. Suitable for those who want to see autumn colors, hike, and enjoy the water. · Route: Hefei → Meishan, Jinzhai → Mazongling → Tiantangzhai → Yanzihe Grand Canyon → Hefei · Highlights: Driving the Martin Highway, Tiantangzhai waterfall cluster, canyon boardwalk · Food & Stay: Stay in Tiantangzhai Town; try Jinzhai hanging pot and chestnut braised chicken · Tips: Allow a full day for Tiantangzhai; the mountain roads are winding, so watch out for falling rocks. Route 3: Yangzhou + Gaoyou (food and leisure) Hefei → Yangzhou → Gaoyou → Hefei, about 2–3 days. Suitable for those who don't want to hike and just want to eat, drink, and explore. · Route: Hefei → Yangzhou (Slender West Lake/Dongguan Street) → Gaoyou (Yucheng Post/Gaoyou Lake) → Hefei · Highlights: Morning tea at Slender West Lake, night tour of Dongguan Street, sunset at Gaoyou Lake, hometown of Wang Zengqi · Food & Stay: Stay near Slender West Lake in Yangzhou; try Yangzhou morning tea, Gaoyou salted duck eggs, and pubao meat · Tips: Yangzhou is extremely crowded during National Day; enter Slender West Lake before 7:30 AM. Gaoyou is relatively quiet. Route 4: Jingdezhen, Jiangxi + Yaoli (artistic and photogenic) Hefei → Jingdezhen → Yaoli → Hefei, about 3 days and 2 nights. Suitable for those who love ceramics, ancient towns, and photography. · Route: Hefei → Jingdezhen (Taoxichuan/Imperial Kiln Museum) → Yaoli Ancient Town → Hefei · Highlights: Taoxichuan Night Market, photos at the Imperial Kiln Museum, Yaoli Bench Bridge, Raonan Ceramic Site · Food & Stay: Stay in Taoxichuan or Yaoli; try cold noodles, jiaozi ba, and alkaline water cakes · Tips: Accommodation in Jingdezhen is tight during National Day, so be sure to book in advance. You can stay inside the ancient town in Yaoli. · -- General tips · Departure: Get on the highway before 5:00 AM on October 1; pack water and snacks. · Accommodation: Book now and choose options with free cancellation. · Tickets: Book in advance via official WeChat accounts/mini-programs. · Vehicle: Check tire pressure, brakes, and windshield washer fluid; for electric vehicles, check charging stations in advance. If you tell me how many days you have and whether you prefer landscapes or food, I can help you choose the most suitable route and create a detailed hour-by-hour itinerary.

The Southern Anhui "Sichuan-Tibet Line" in November feels like a farewell party nature is throwing for itself. From the rice paddies at the South Gate of Hongcun to the red leaves of Tachuan, from the morning mist in Lucun to the water-bound redwoods in Ningguo, my phone gallery is packed with colors that look "fake." 🔸 Stop 1: The rice paddies at the South Gate of Hongcun, my most healing 5 minutes of autumn Walk south past the Hongcun parking lot, and a vast expanse of rice paddies suddenly unfolds. By mid-November, most of the rice has been harvested, but the remaining patch is just the right shade of golden. In the distance, the Huizhou-style village with its white walls and dark tiles sits against a backdrop of dark green mountains, like a flattened ink wash painting. I found a ridge to sit on. As the wind blew, the rice ears rustled, and the air was filled with the dry, sweet scent of grain—you see, some beauty just leaves you speechless, with nothing left but repeated exclamations. 🔸 Stop 2: Tachuan, one of China's top three autumn foliage destinations, truly lives up to the name It's a ten-minute bike ride from the South Gate of Hongcun to Tachuan. The ticket is 40 yuan, but you can see the mountainside covered in unbelievably red Chinese tallow trees right from the road at the entrance. The most beautiful moment in Tachuan is early morning. We climbed to the viewing platform in the dark at 6:00 AM to wait for the sky to brighten. Thin mist rose from the valley, wrapping around the white-walled, black-tiled village. The sweetgum, Chinese tallow, and ginkgo trees on the mountain were a tapestry of red, yellow, and green, like an overturned palette spread across the hillside. The moment the sun peeked out from behind the mountain, a girl next to me said, "This looks better than my edited photos"—I was thinking the exact same thing. 🔸 Stop 3: Lucun, where fewer crowds are the real luxury Lucun, right next to Hongcun, was the biggest surprise of my trip. The ticket is 65 yuan, but it's much less crowded than Hongcun. Walking along the village path, every household has chili peppers and corn drying in front of their doors, and grandmothers sit on small stools shelling beans. The "Wood Carving Building" here is worth a visit; the level of detail is so exquisite that you'll find yourself holding your breath as you look up from below. 🔸 Stop 4: Ningguo Bald Cypress Wetland Park, I walked into an oil painting The grand finale of this trip was the 2,000+ acres of water-bound redwoods in Fangtang Township. From mid-to-late November to early December is the peak of its beauty. The entire forest transitions from golden to caramel, then deepens into a rich red, standing in the clear water as if set ablaze by the sunset. I highly recommend taking a bamboo raft (40 yuan/person) to drift through it. As the boatman gently pushes with his pole, the reflections shatter into golden-red ripples. In that moment, you'll feel that autumn should end in such an unreal, brilliant display. 🛎️ Tips · Route: Hongcun > Tachuan > Lucun (the three are adjacent, 20-minute bike ride); Ningguo Bald Cypress is in the middle section of the Southern Anhui "Sichuan-Tibet Line," so I recommend setting aside a separate day for it · Best time to visit: Hongcun, Tachuan, and Lucun from late October – mid-November; Bald Cypress from mid-to-late November – early December · Transportation: Driving from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, or Shanghai is most convenient. Take the high-speed train to Huangshan North Station and then take a taxi. For the Bald Cypress, you'll drive the Southern Anhui "Sichuan-Tibet Line," which has many winding mountain roads, so honk your horn frequently · Accommodation: Book in advance for the peak season in November; I recommend the ancient residential homestays around Hongcun · Clothing: There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening; wearing light-colored clothing makes for better photos Autumn in Huizhou is very short—so short that you might just catch its most beautiful side before the wind blows and the leaves fall. The peak period when the redwoods are fully red, the rice ears are golden, and the tallow trees have changed color lasts only two or three weeks in total. But it is precisely because it is fleeting that it is worth timing your trip perfectly to keep this appointment. Some say Hongcun is too commercialized and Tachuan is too crowded. But I just want to say—the scenery is right there; it will reflect the colors of the mood you bring with you.

Before I left, I scrolled through so many posts, and so many people were advising: Don't go to Xuancheng! They said the attractions are ridiculously spread out, and if you visit one place a day, you spend most of your time on the road. They said many ancient towns look the same, and you'll get tired of them after a while. They also said everything in the mountains is expensive, and going there is just paying to suffer. Honestly, I was ready to cancel my hotel booking. After debating for two or three days, I figured the high-speed train ride wasn't that long, so I decided to just give myself a four-day break and go see for myself. As it turns out, this trip completely proved me wrong 🙈. Xuancheng in September and October is truly comfortable. There's no stifling summer heat, and the breeze from the mountains is cool. The rice paddies are slowly turning golden, and the leaves are starting to show warm hues. There are no massive tour groups, no need to queue for photos, food is cheap, and guesthouse prices are heartwarming. Spending very little money to wander among green mountains, flowing water, and ancient villages—this isn't "suffering," it's a relaxing vacation I gave myself 🍂. ✨ Attractions | Surprises hidden everywhere Chaji Ancient Village 🏡 This was my favorite part of the trip. Many people say, "Isn't it just an old village?" But Chaji is truly different from other ancient towns. It's huge; you can't just walk through it in one or two commercial streets. Hundreds of old houses are scattered throughout the valley, with a small stream running through the village and stone bridges spanning the water. Many locals still live in the village. You'll see dried pumpkin and beans drying at their doorsteps, grandmothers sitting outside picking vegetables, and dogs leisurely wandering through the alleys. There are no crowded influencer milk tea shops or cookie-cutter souvenir stores. Don't obsess over the marked tourist spots. Just turn into any empty alley—white walls, black tiles, murmuring water, and bamboo trays of autumn harvest drying in front of doors. Every photo you take will have character. In the evening, as the sunset slants across, the whole village is quiet. Sitting on a rock by the stream and zoning out for a while, all your worries just drift away. Jingxian · Taohuatan 🌊 "The water of Taohuatan is a thousand feet deep"—the poem I memorized as a child has finally come to life before my eyes. Don't just take photos at the crowded pier. Walk slowly along the shore; the old pier, the Takege Ancient Bank, and ancient residences are all hidden here. The water of the Qingyi River is crystal clear, and the village on the opposite bank is nestled among green trees. Many people leave after an hour, which is a pity. It's best to stay until dusk. The sunset hits the water, making it shimmer, and the distant mountains look hazy. When the breeze blows from the water, you'll finally understand why Li Bai lingered here and couldn't bear to leave. Longchuan Scenic Area 🏯 Longchuan feels both exquisite and grand to me. A water street runs through the village, with crystal-clear stream water. The most famous features are the two stone archways, with carvings so detailed they are breathtaking. The patterns of flowers, birds, and figures are still clearly visible after hundreds of years. The village is well-maintained. The ancestral hall has tall beams and pillars, with intricate and beautiful wood carvings. Many people rush to take a photo of the archway and leave, but you must go inside to look slowly and read the stories on the walls. Outside the village are flat rice paddies, golden in autumn, with distant mountains as a backdrop—the pastoral atmosphere is perfect. Yueliangwan 🏞️ Don't think Yueliangwan is only for playing in the water in summer! In autumn, Yueliangwan is less noisy from water activities and more peaceful. The stream is shallow, with rocks of all sizes poking out of the water, and the viral fish-scale dam is quiet. Driving slowly along the riverside road, with green mountains on one side and the stream on the other, you can stop anytime, find a rock to sit on, and step into the cool stream water. You don't have to visit the viral spots. Just walk along the river, listen to the sound of the flowing water, and look at the bamboo forest on the bank—that's the simplest joy. 🗺️ Classic itinerary (4 days, 3 nights, relaxed version) Day 1: Arrive in Xuancheng and head straight to Jingxian. Check into a guesthouse in Jingxian county or near Chaji. Spend the afternoon leisurely exploring Chaji Ancient Village and waiting for the sunset. Have some farmhouse dishes near your guesthouse in the evening. Day 2: Don't rush in the morning; sleep in. Head to Taohuatan and explore for two or three hours. Have local dishes in Taohuatan town for lunch. In the afternoon, go to Yueliangwan and take a walk along the river valley. You can stay in Jixi or return to Jingxian for the night. Day 3: Head to Longchuan Scenic Area and take your time admiring the archways and ancestral hall. If you have extra time, you can visit Renli Ancient Village on the way; it's very quiet with few people. Stay in Jixi for the night. Day 4: If you still have energy, you can go to Jingting Mountain. "Looking at each other without getting tired, only Jingting Mountain." The mountain isn't high, and it's not tiring to climb, making it suitable for a slow walk. Afterward, pack up and get ready for your return trip. 👉 Two-day condensed version: Chaji + Taohuatan + Yueliangwan. Skip Longchuan and Jingting Mountain to avoid traveling between counties, perfect for a short weekend trip. ⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls 1. The attractions are very far apart! 🚗 This is the biggest pitfall! Chaji, Taohuatan, Yueliangwan, Longchuan, and Jingting Mountain are scattered across different counties. Public transport is infrequent, and you'll have to wait a long time for buses. If possible, definitely drive yourself! Hiring a car is also an option. Don't even think about taking the bus to visit two ancient villages in one day; most of your time will be wasted on the road, and you'll be exhausted. 2. Don't expect bustling commercial streets everywhere 🛍️ The beauty of Xuancheng lies in its pristine villages. Many villages don't have many shops. Don't come here expecting to visit Wuzhen or Xitang. Its charm lies in the alleys, streams, fields, and the local atmosphere. 3. Large temperature difference in the mountains 🍃 It might be warm in the city, but it's very cool in the valleys in the morning and evening. Even on a sunny day, bring a light jacket. It's windy by the stream, especially in the evening. 4. Don't just rush through the entrance of the scenic area 📸 In almost all ancient villages, the most beautiful scenery isn't near the main gate. Walk another 300–500 meters inside, avoid the main street, and duck into the side alleys to see the true local life. 💡 Travel tips ✅ Accommodation: If you want peace and quiet, stay in a guesthouse inside Chaji or Longchuan, where you can see old houses and streams right outside your window. If you're worried about humidity or bugs, stay in Jingxian or Jixi county, where there are more choices, dining is more convenient, and prices are cheaper. ✅ Food 🤤: You must try Jixi stir-fried vermicelli, stinky mandarin fish, hairy tofu, small river fish, braised pork with dried bamboo shoots, and mugwort cakes. Don't sit down at the first restaurant you see at the entrance of a scenic area. Walk further into the town or residential areas. Many unassuming little shops have authentic flavors, large portions, and reasonable prices. A local dish costs only 20 or 30 yuan and will leave you very satisfied. This is also where my perception of costs was overturned! ✅ Photography 📷: The alleys and bamboo trays of autumn harvest in Chaji, the riverside dusk at Taohuatan, the archways and water street in Longchuan, and the streams and bamboo forests in Yueliangwan. Wearing plain-colored or New Chinese-style clothing goes perfectly with the white walls and black tiles. ✅ Saving money ✨: Many fields and trails at the village entrances are free. You can buy scenic area tickets in advance on the official mini-program, which sometimes offers small discounts. Don't buy too many "local specialties" promoted at the entrance; supermarkets in the county have more variety and lower prices. ✅ Avoiding pitfalls ⚠️: Don't easily trust scalpers on the side of the road who say "you can enter the village for free via a small path." Those paths are either unsafe or you'll end up being stopped anyway. Just use the official entrance for peace of mind. When buying dried bamboo shoots or tea, ask a few shops for prices. 💭 Final summary Many people discourage others from visiting Xuancheng, but it's not that Xuancheng is bad; it's that the itinerary was planned incorrectly. If you insist on high-intensity travel, rushing to two or three villages a day, driving constantly, and always on the move, of course you'll be tired and feel like you're "suffering." Xuancheng is meant for slowing down. Its beauty isn't on a checklist or on viral signs. It's the dried vegetables drying at the entrance of the alleys in Chaji; the slowly flowing Qingyi River water at Taohuatan; the stone archways in Longchuan that have weathered the storms; the murmuring stream by your ears in Yueliangwan; and the steaming local dishes in a small farmhouse restaurant. The prices are gentle, the landscape is gentle, and time moves slowly. Don't be scared off by the discouraging comments online ✨. You don't have to try to visit all the attractions at once. Pick two or three places you like, stay for a few nights, travel less, and zone out more. Xuancheng in autumn, with golden rice paddies and peaceful ancient villages. It's truly worth a visit.

Worried about price hikes, crowds, and tourist traps during the National Day holiday? 😭 We've rounded up 4 hidden gems that are accessible by high-speed rail, have super low prices, and zero markups for the holiday! October scenery is at its peak, it's uncrowded and traffic-free, and the food and accommodation are incredibly affordable. Perfect for students and working professionals—just pack your bags and go for a few hundred yuan! ✨ 🍂 Zhejiang Quzhou | A hidden gem of fireworks in western Zhejiang 🚄 Transport: 1 hour by high-speed rail from the Yangtze River Delta to Quzhou Station. Attractions are concentrated in the city center; easy to get around by bus or bike. Homestays in the old town are just over CNY 100. Great value. 💖 Vibe: A severely underrated ancient city! Avoid the crowds of Hangzhou and Jinhua. The ancient city is full of charm, and the streets are clean and soothing. October brings a cool autumn breeze and crisp weather. No over-commercialization—just slow down, eat, and wander. The relaxation level is off the charts! 🗓️ Relaxed itinerary: Night tour of Shui Ting Gate to enjoy the autumn breeze → Stroll through the Confucius Temple → Feast on snacks at Mazhandi Food Street 🍜 Must-try food: Quzhou roast cakes, crystal cakes, "three heads and one palm," egg cakes. A carb paradise—you can eat your fill for just a few yuan 😋 🍂 Guangdong Shaoguan | A secret spot for autumn scenery in northern Guangdong 🚄 Transport: High-speed rail directly to Shaoguan Station. A top choice for short trips in the Pearl River Delta. Convenient city transport and easy access to surrounding attractions. 💖 Vibe: A mountain and water city in Guangdong that's perfect for a budget-friendly National Day trip! In October, the summer heat fades, and the autumn colors in the mountains deepen—so healing. The Danxia landform is magnificent, there are few tourists, and prices are friendly. No need to spend money to squeeze into popular spots; easily unlock Lingnan autumn scenery! 🗓️ Relaxed itinerary: Light hike at Danxia Mountain to enjoy autumn → Meditate and stroll at Nanhua Temple → Eat local flavors at the old town night market 🍜 Must-try food: Shaoguan claypot rice, water chestnut cake, sour bamboo shoot duck, Hakka rice cakes. Authentic northern Guangdong flavors, affordable and delicious 🍂 Anhui Xuancheng | A poetic small city in Jiangnan 🚄 Transport: High-speed rail directly to Xuancheng Station. Convenient transport in southern Anhui, easy commute to city and surrounding attractions, and no holiday markups on accommodation. 💖 Vibe: A gentle secret spot hidden in southern Anhui! It has both the tenderness of a Jiangnan water town and the healing power of autumn mountain forests. October weather is dry and comfortable. The ancient streets are quiet, the landscape is serene, and you can escape the crowds to experience poetic Jiangnan scenery at a low cost ✨ 🗓️ Relaxed itinerary: Light hike at Jingting Mountain for fresh air → Wander through Xuancheng Ancient City → Enjoy autumn and relax at Aofeng Park 🍜 Must-try food: Xuancheng potstickers, Jixi fried noodles, osmanthus cake, Ningguo baba. Jiangnan snacks are soft, glutinous, and fresh—great value 🍂 Hunan Changde | A cozy city by Dongting Lake 🚄 Transport: High-speed rail directly to Changde Station. A transport hub in northern Hunan with convenient city travel, making sightseeing worry-free. 💖 Vibe: A livable city with a super slow pace! Backed by Dongting Lake, the October evening breeze is gentle, and the autumn scenery at Liuye Lake is stunning, with greenery everywhere paired with warm autumn sunshine. It's full of life, prices are touching, and there's no need to rush your itinerary. It's perfect for a relaxing vacation! 🗓️ Relaxed itinerary: Walk around Liuye Lake → Stroll through Poetry Wall Park → Immersive eating at Gaoshan Street Night Market 🍜 Must-try food: Changde rice noodles, soy-braised duck, sugar oil baba, mugwort baba. Authentic Hunan flavors, cheap and delicious 💡 Tips for a budget-friendly National Day trip ✨ 1. October has a large temperature difference between day and night. The evening breeze by the mountains and lakes can be cool, so bring a light jacket and carry an umbrella for autumn rain. 2. These four small cities have low overall consumption. Accommodation is around CNY 100, and meals are CNY 20+ per person. There is almost no markup during the National Day holiday. 3. Focus on slow travel and relaxation. Skip the marathon-style travel of rushing around. Sleeping in and wandering at your own pace is the true meaning of a holiday. 4. Prioritize old shops in residential areas for food. Avoid internet-famous shops in tourist areas to get authentic flavors without price traps. 5. Niche destinations have fewer crowds, no traffic jams, and no lines. The travel experience is far better than popular internet-famous cities! You really don't need to spend a lot of money to travel during the National Day! These 4 treasure cities cover mountains, water, ancient streets, and food. They are suitable for solo trips, outings with besties, or short family trips. Unlock a super healing, perfect holiday at a low cost 🌟

Calling all Hefei weekend warriors! I'm sharing 4 of my favorite hidden gems. All are within a 1–2 hour drive, perfect for an easy day trip. They're uncrowded, beautiful, and almost entirely free! They're incredibly photogenic and perfect for an immersive, relaxing getaway to breathe in some fresh air—the ultimate low-cost escape from the urban concrete jungle 🌿 1️⃣ Huangtian Village, Jing County, Xuancheng 📍Location: Huangtian Village, Langqiao Town, Jing County, Xuancheng 🚗Drive from downtown Hefei: About 2 hours by car; road conditions are smooth after exiting the highway ⏰Day trip itinerary 🏡Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM): Stroll through the century-old Hui-style village and take stunning ink-wash painting-style photos! Visit the national treasure-level "Foreign Ship House," walk through ancient bluestone alleys, and touch the horse-head walls. The village is so quiet you can only hear cicadas and the sound of the stream. It's completely free of the crowds you'd find in Hongcun, and every shot captures that misty Jiangnan atmosphere. 🍚Lunch (12:00 PM–1:30 PM): Feast on farm-style food at the village entrance! Order the Jing County specialty braised noodles and stewed chicken soup. Everything is made with local ingredients, full of authentic flavor, and the value is unbeatable. 🍵Afternoon (1:30 PM–4:30 PM): Take a walk and catch fish in the stream by the village! Stroll slowly along the tea mountain trail, admire the layers of tea plantations against the green mountains, and find a shallow spot to take off your shoes and wade in the water. The mountain breeze will make you feel completely relaxed—time practically stands still. ⚠️Tips · The village admission is very affordable, and you can park directly in the open space at the village entrance, so there's no need to drive into the narrow alleys. · The bluestone paths can be slippery on rainy days, so avoid wearing stilettos. Flat shoes or canvas sneakers are best. · There aren't many convenience stores in the village, so it's recommended to bring your own bottled water and snacks. 2️⃣ Dongshisun, Jin'an, Lu'an 📍Location: Dongshisun Village, Maotanchang Town, Jin'an District, Lu'an 🚗Drive from downtown Hefei: About 1.5 hours by car; the entire route is paved and very easy to drive. ⏰Day trip itinerary 💧Morning (9:30 AM–12:30 PM): Go for a light hike in the canyon to breathe in the fresh air! Enter the bamboo forest stream valley that feels like a scene from a fairy tale. See layers of small waterfalls cascading into clear pools, with rugged rocks and shady trees along the way. The whole trail is only 3 km, making it easy for both seniors and children. You'll get forest-style photos effortlessly. 🥢Lunch (12:30 PM–1:30 PM): Enjoy a meal at a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain! Try the stir-fried bamboo shoots with salted meat and stir-fried wild mountain vegetables—all freshly picked from the mountains. It's incredibly fresh and delicious. 🚶Afternoon (1:30 PM–4:30 PM): Wade in the stream and visit the old street! Take off your shoes to wade in the shallows and catch small shrimp—it feels 5 degrees cooler. On the way back, stop by Maotanchang Old Street to experience the authentic atmosphere of the old town. ⚠️Tips · The scenic area admission is super cheap, and parking at the entrance is free—the ultimate value. · The stones at the bottom of the stream are covered in moss and very slippery, so be sure to wear non-slip water shoes and don't go barefoot. · There are an absurd number of mosquitoes and bugs in the mountains, so keep mosquito repellent on you at all times and wear long sleeves to protect yourself from tree branches. 3️⃣ Fucha Mountain, Feidong, Hefei 📍Location: Fucha Mountain, Shitang Town, Feidong County, Hefei 🚗Drive from downtown Hefei: About 1 hour by car; the perfect distance for a short trip. ⏰Day trip itinerary ⛰️Morning (9:00 AM–11:30 AM): Take a light hike to the summit and have the whole mountain to yourself! Climb up the winding mountain trail, passing by unique rocks and tea plantations along the way. From the summit, overlook the entire Jianghuai hilly landscape. When the wind blows, the wheat fields ripple—it's incredibly healing. The best part is that there are very few people, so you don't have to dodge crowds for photos. 🥬Lunch (11:30 AM–1:00 PM): Eat at a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain! Enjoy freshly picked greens and pot-cooked farm eggs, followed by a bowl of crispy rice crust soup. It's simple but so delicious you'll lick the plate clean. 🚲Afternoon (1:00 PM–4:30 PM): Go for a drive along the mountain loop road and visit an ancient village! Take a slow drive along the loop road, find an empty corner to take some epic road trip photos, and stop by the Ming and Qing dynasty ancient village at the foot of the mountain to immerse yourself in the local culture. ⚠️Tips · No admission fees at all! You can park for free in the open space at the foot of the mountain—a dream for budget travelers. · Some sections near the summit are a bit steep, so wear comfortable sneakers and don't try to climb in flip-flops. · There are no convenience stores on the mountain, so be sure to bring enough water and supplies. Remember to use sun protection in the summer. 4️⃣ Shenshan National Forest Park, Quanjiao, Chuzhou 📍Location: Shenshan National Forest Park, Liuzhen Town, Quanjiao County, Chuzhou 🚗Drive from downtown Hefei: About 1.5 hours by car; direct highway access makes it super easy. ⏰Day trip itinerary 🌳Morning (9:30 AM–12:00 PM): Take a forest walk to refresh your lungs! Enter the 10,000-mu primeval forest, walk along trails covered in fallen leaves, visit a thousand-year-old temple, and see the mountain lake. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating dappled light. Every breath is filled with negative oxygen ions—it's a true natural oxygen bar. 🍲Lunch (12:00 PM–1:30 PM): Feast on farm-style food near the park! Try the Chuzhou braised goose and sweet potato starch balls—authentic East Anhui flavors with portions so generous you won't be able to finish. 🛶Afternoon (1:30 PM–4:30 PM): Go boating on Shenshan Lake and relax on the grass! Take a small boat out on the lake or find a patch of grass to lounge on all afternoon. Watch the wind ripple across the water, and all your worries will just blow away. ⚠️Tips · Admission is super cheap, and the scenic area has a large parking lot, so parking is worry-free. · There are many trees and bugs in the forest, so mosquito repellent is a must. Try to wear long pants. · The boats only operate on weekends. If you're going on a weekday, check in advance.

You get it! This small city in southern Anhui, unforgettable to the poet Li Bai, is at its most atmospheric in September–October! It has the poetic mountain scenery of Jingting Mountain, the tranquil blue waters of Peach Blossom Pool, the everyday charm of ancient villages, and authentic Anhui cuisine you will never get tired of. The pace is so slow you will not want to leave! I have put together a reliable, field-tested guide—just follow along! 🚗Transportation Tips | Field-tested to save you trouble ✈️Major transport · High-speed rail is the top choice: Nanjing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hefei all have direct lines to Xuancheng Station. Shanghai is about 1.5 hours away, and Nanjing is just 1 hour. After landing at Wuhu Xuanzhou Airport, take the shuttle bus for CNY 25 directly to the city center (40-minute ride). · Self-driving (Highly recommended): Highways make it very convenient to connect Jingting Mountain, Jing County, Ningguo, and Jixi. The Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line has many curves, so be sure to slow down. Most homestays offer free parking. · City & inter-district travel: City buses are CNY 2, and taxi base fares start at CNY 8. For trips to Jing County or Chaji, you can carpool for CNY 30–50 per person. Tourist shuttle buses are CNY 30/person. Riding shared e-bikes around the old town is free and convenient. 🏞Relaxed Itinerary (Pure sightseeing version) Day 1: Arrive in Xuancheng > Hike Jingting Mountain > Xie Tiao Tower > Xuancheng Museum > Sunset at Wanling Lake > Beimen Old Street Night Market. Stay in the city. Day 2: Jing County Peach Blossom Pool > Chaji Ancient Village > Experience rice wine at Huakang Winery. Stay in an ancient village homestay, or return to the city. Day 3: Experience paper-making at the China Rice Paper Culture Park > Chujiatan > Taiji Lake Village. Return after tasting local farm-style dishes. If you have extra time, add Longchuan Ancient Village or Crocodile Lake. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations | Something for every budget, field-tested · City value options (CNY 120–260/night): Chain hotels near the high-speed rail station, close to Wanda Plaza and Zhuangyuanfang. Downstairs, you will find night market snacks, making dining and travel convenient. · Poetic ancient village homestays (CNY 180–400/night): Chaji old house homestays or waterside courtyards at Peach Blossom Pool. White walls and black tiles with atrium courtyards—it is easy to get great photos in the quiet early morning. · Scenic resort options (CNY 300–600/night): Lakeside resort hotels with mountain and water views from your window. Breakfast included, perfect for a slow-paced vacation. Youth hostel beds (CNY 40–60) are student-friendly. · Peak season reminder: Be sure to book 1–2 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays. September–October is the golden period for off-peak travel, with fewer crowds and a better experience. 💰Budget Reference | Actual per-person costs · Budget student version: High-speed rail (CNY 240) + accommodation (CNY 180) + food (CNY 180) + tickets/experiences (CNY 80) = approx. CNY 680. Most city parks are free. · Comfortable friends version: Self-driving share (CNY 180) + accommodation (CNY 350) + food (CNY 280) + ancient village intangible cultural heritage experience (CNY 140) = approx. CNY 950. · In-depth luxury version: Boutique homestays + Anhui cuisine feast + private boat at Peach Blossom Pool + DIY rice paper making = approx. CNY 1,500 per person. Great value compared to popular surrounding attractions. 🍜Foodie Must-Eats | Local-approved, no-fail list · Xuancheng soul snacks: Spicy vermicelli, Ningguo baba (flatbread), red bean fermented rice, bubble wontons, Jixi ta-guo. Affordable and authentic—you can get full for over CNY 10. · Anhui signature dishes: Hu Shi Yipin Pot, stinky mandarin fish, Shuiyang Three Treasures, braised pork with bamboo shoots, steamed qinyu fish. Farmhouse meals cost about CNY 50 per person. · Mountain specialties: Stewed chicken with walnuts, Guangde stew pot. For souvenirs, choose Shuiyang dried tofu, osmanthus rice wine, or Huimo ink cakes. 🌄Must-Visit Recommendations | Field-tested highlights 1. Jingting Mountain✨ Free admission (sightseeing bus extra). A "poetic mountain" visited many times by Li Bai. Hike in the morning for fresh air, and overlook the whole city of Xuancheng in the evening. Don't miss the Taibai Duzuo Tower and the Ancient Zhaoting Trail. 2. Peach Blossom Pool & Chaji Ancient Village Peach Blossom Pool tickets are about CNY 65; take a boat to tour the ancient streets along the water. Chaji Ancient Village tickets are about CNY 80; it is more pristine than Hongcun, with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and ancient alleys by the stream. The atmosphere is incredible after autumn rain. 3. China Rice Paper Culture Park Tickets are about CNY 60. Visit the home of the "Four Treasures of the Study," see the over 100 steps of traditional rice paper making, and try your hand at paper-making and rubbing. You can take your own work home. 4. Wanling Lake & Beimen Old Street Free city park. Walk and watch the sunset in the evening, eat at the Zhuangyuanfang night market, and maybe catch some street Huangmei opera to experience the local vibe. 5. Chujiatan & Taiji Lake Village (Hidden gems) The starting point of the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line. Chujiatan is great for cycling around the lake with wide-open views. Taiji Lake Village is surrounded by streams and has beautiful autumn scenery. Most areas are free. 💡Travel Tips | Avoiding pitfalls 1. Tickets & time: Jingting Mountain, Xie Tiao Tower, and the museum are free with a valid ID. Buying tickets for ancient villages and cultural parks online is more cost-effective. September–October offers the best weather for visiting. 2. Responsible travel: Do not catch fish or shrimp in the streams, do not step on ancient structures, take your trash with you, and protect the ecology of the Chinese alligator reserve. 3. Spending pitfalls: Check prices clearly in the old street. Don't buy expensive inkstones or rice paper at scenic spots; it is more cost-effective at old shops in the city. Agree on the total price in advance when carpooling. 4. Clothing & road conditions: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the southern Anhui mountains, so bring a light jacket. There are many steps in ancient villages, so wear comfortable, soft-soled shoes. Drive cautiously on the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line when it rains, and travel light. 5. Extra experience: Many homestays offer calligraphy rubbing experiences. The osmanthus sweet rice wine at Huakang Winery pairs perfectly with Anhui cuisine. Xuancheng is truly more than just a transit stop! A thousand years of poetry, ink-wash painting-style ancient villages, and everyday life blend here. No massive crowds, no over-commercialization—just a relaxed, gentle, slow pace of life✨. If you are looking for a quiet small city in Jiangnan to taste authentic Anhui cuisine and stroll through the landscapes Li Bai once saw, come to Xuancheng. It is enough to heal your fatigue. Travelers who have been here, feel free to share your favorite local shops! Copy this guide and get ready for your trip!

Where to go on a budget in Sep–Oct? 8 off-the-beaten-path cities for a 3-day trip at CNY 500 per person 01 Shangqiu | Henan I went to Mangdang Mountain specifically because it's uncrowded. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM when the light hits the mountain gate at an angle—perfect for photos without fighting for a spot. Book your admission ticket a day in advance via the official account. You can buy it on-site, but lines during holidays will test your patience. You can walk down into the underground palace of the Queen of King Liang Xiao. The cool air rises from the ground—a blessing in summer, but remember to bring a jacket in autumn. ⚠️ The stairs in the underground palace are steep; don't wear flip-flops. It's fine for seniors if they take it slow. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, head to the old town of Yongcheng for a bowl of sa soup and pan-fried buns. You'll eat your fill for about CNY 15 per person. Stay near Shangqiu Station; chain hotels are just over CNY 100. There's a dedicated tourist bus to Mangdang Mountain, taking about an hour one way. Perfect for those on a tight budget who want to see something authentic. 02 Xuancheng | Anhui I advise against trying to cram Chaji and Longchuan into one day. The two ancient villages are in opposite directions, and forcing it will just mean spending all your time in the car. Chaji is more rugged, with alleys like a maze. 📍 Walk along Xu Creek; there are more students sketching by the stone bridges than tourists. ⏰ Admission is free after 5:00 PM, and the light is soft. Longchuan is orderly; the wood carvings in the Hu Family Ancestral Hall are worth staring at for 10 minutes. 🚄 Get off at Jixi North Station; a taxi to Longchuan is about CNY 20. Admission tickets for both villages aren't cheap, but you can save a bit with a student ID. Stay at a guesthouse at the entrance of Chaji village; it's around CNY 120 on weekdays, and you can hear the stream from your window. 🍜 Try Jixi Ta Guo (flatbread) and bamboo shoot noodles; roadside eateries are half the price of those inside the scenic area. ⚠️ Don't eat at the first place at the village entrance; walk 50 meters in for normal prices. Perfect for those who love old houses and aren't in a rush. 03 Jining | Shandong Qufu and Weishan Lake—one for temples, one for water—will be exhausting if done in one day. I suggest splitting them up. Enter the Three Confucius Sites at 8:00 AM; it's less crowded, and the cypress tree shadows are long. 📍 It's a 5-minute walk from the Confucius Temple to the Confucius Mansion, but you'll need to take an electric cart to the Confucius Forest, or you'll be walking until you question your life choices. Weishan Lake is perfect in autumn; the lotus flowers have faded, but the reed marshes are turning yellow. ⏰ Take a boat into the lake at 4:00 PM; it's breezy, and you can catch the sunset. 🚄 Qufu East Station is convenient for high-speed rail, but you'll need to transfer to get to Weishan Lake; driving is easier. 🍜 Try Jining sandwiches and sa soup; small shops in the city are about CNY 10 per person. Stay near the old town of Qufu; you can find a clean place for CNY 150. ⚠️ The Three Confucius Sites joint ticket is valid for 3 days, so don't buy it and throw it away on the same day. Perfect for those traveling with parents who want to see some culture without the crowds. 04 Taiyuan | Shanxi Tianlong Mountain, Jinci Temple, and Jinyang Lake can be linked together, but don't be greedy. Go to Jinci Temple in the morning; the Song Dynasty colored sculptures in the Hall of the Holy Mother are worth a slow look. 📍 Sit by the Nanlao Spring for a while; the sound of the water is better than any audio guide. Peak season admission is CNY 80, half price for students. Go to Tianlong Mountain in the afternoon; the grottoes are halfway up the mountain, about a 40-minute climb. ⚠️ There are many stairs, so take the cable car if you have bad knees. Arrive at Jinyang Lake in the evening; it's where locals go for a stroll. There's no admission fee, and it's perfect for sunset silhouettes. 🚄 A taxi from Taiyuan South Station to Jinci Temple is about CNY 40; buses are available but slow. 🍜 Head back to the city in the evening for knife-cut noodles, about CNY 20 per person. Stay near Changfeng Street; chain hotels are around CNY 150, and it's convenient to get anywhere. Perfect for those who don't want to spend a lot but want to see ancient architecture and lake views. 05 Ili | Xinjiang In Sep–Oct, the grasslands in Ili have turned yellow, but that's exactly why it's cheaper. Choose either Kalajun or Gongnaisi Grassland; the scenery is similar. ⏰ Enter Kalajun in the morning while the clouds are still on the mountainside, like a blanket over the grassland. Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley has no flowers in autumn—don't be fooled by the name—but it's great for hiking, and it's so quiet you can hear yourself breathe. Driving along the Ili River Valley is the best experience. 🚄 Rent a car at Yining Station for just over CNY 200 a day. 🍜 Try the pilaf and baked buns in downtown Yining; you'll eat your fill for CNY 30 per person. Stay at a guesthouse in the old town of Yining for around CNY 120, and you can stroll through Hanren Street in the evening. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is huge; bring a light down jacket and don't try to tough it out. Perfect for those who want to see vast landscapes and avoid the summer crowds. 06 Zhaoqing | Guangdong Star Lake is basically the Seven Star Crags area. I thought it would be boring, but I ended up walking around for an entire afternoon. 📍 Enter from Paifang Square and ride a bike along the lakeside greenway for CNY 20 an hour. ⏰ After 6:00 PM, the light hits the lake, and the mountain shadows reflect in the water—it looks better than during the day. You can take a boat into the karst caves, but the lines are long. ⚠️ Don't bother on weekend afternoons. 🍜 Try Zhaoqing Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and Wenkeng carp; small shops by the lake are about CNY 40 per person. Stay by Star Lake; it's CNY 130 on weekdays, and you can see the water from your window. 🚄 A taxi from Zhaoqing Station to the Paifang is about CNY 15. Perfect for those who don't want to hike, just want to take a slow walk, and take photos of the water. It's also easy with kids; the greenway is flat and stroller-friendly. 07 Alxa | Inner Mongolia For the Populus euphratica forests and Badain Jaran Desert, late September to mid-October is when the trees are at their yellowest. A week earlier and they're green; a week later and they've fallen. ⏰ Enter the Populus euphratica forest at 7:00 AM to take backlit photos of the translucent leaves. Admission plus the shuttle bus is over CNY 200—expensive, but it only happens once a year. Don't wander into the Badain Jaran Desert on your own. 📍 Find a local guide to charter a car for about CNY 500 a day; they can take you to the foot of Bilutu Peak. ⚠️ There's no signal in the desert, so bring enough water. Don't wear mesh shoes, or you'll be crying when the sand gets in. 🍜 Try the mutton and camel meat in Ejina Banner for about CNY 50 per person. Stay at a hotel in the banner; prices drop by half after the National Day holiday. 🚄 The closest station is Ejina Station, but driving from Yinchuan is more flexible. Perfect for those willing to pay for a golden leaf and who don't mind a bit of hassle. 08 Jinzhou | Liaoning Yiwulu Mountain—the name is hard to pronounce, but it's perfect in autumn. ⏰ In early October, the maple leaves start to turn red, and the whole way from the mountain gate to Laomu Pavilion is colorful. Admission is CNY 70, cable car extra. ⚠️ The cable car line is long; if you have the energy, walk up—it takes about an hour and a half. 📍 The platform in front of Guanyin Pavilion offers a view of the valley; it's windy, so hold onto your hat. 🚄 There's a shuttle bus from Jinzhou Station to Beizhen, then take a taxi to the mountain gate for about CNY 20. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, head back to Jinzhou for barbecue; it's about CNY 40 per person and more authentic than what's in the scenic area. Stay in downtown Jinzhou; chain hotels are CNY 120, and you can visit the night market in the evening. Perfect for those who want to see autumn colors without traveling too far. You can cover food and accommodation for 3 days for CNY 500. Of these eight places, the ones I want to visit again most are Ili and Alxa. One is vast, the other is golden. If you only have three days, pick one and don't be greedy. Let me know in the comments where you're planning to go.

Hey everyone! If you're coming to Moon Bay for some water fun, staying here is a safe bet! The clear stream is right outside your door, the rooms are clean and cozy with great attention to detail, and it's just so comfortable to stay here~ ✅ Stream trekking right outside ✅ Perfect details ✅ Delicious food 🏠 Homestay highlights: · The room decor is modern and cozy, clean and tidy, with comfortable bedding and a very quiet environment for sleeping at night. · They provide disposable towels, bath towels, and toilet seat covers—the details are super thoughtful and very hygienic. · You can see the stream and mountain views from the floor-to-ceiling windows; sitting there drinking tea and zoning out is so relaxing. Even the pickiest detail-oriented person couldn't find a fault; it's just so comfortable. 🍽️ Dining highlights: · The farmhouse dishes at the homestay restaurant are amazing—fresh ingredients, great flavor, and reasonable prices. · The handmade noodles for breakfast are super fragrant, and the portion is generous enough to keep you full and ready for a whole day of fun. No need to go out to find food; it's so convenient. 🌿 Surroundings: · Located right inside the Moon Bay Scenic Area, you can go stream trekking and have water fights right outside the door—super convenient if you're bringing kids. · The rafting river is right at the entrance, so it's super close. · You can experience UTV off-roading right across the way if that's your thing. Staying here makes it easy to get anywhere; it's perfect for a vacation. ✨ Hidden experiences: · The host family is super warm and welcoming; they'll recommend routes and are always available if you need anything. · They even help mail back items you might have left behind—so thoughtful. Such a great homestay, I'll definitely stay here again next time!

Want to experience the poetic charm of Jiangnan while saving time and money? Don't miss this 3-day Tongling–Xuancheng–Huangshan guide! Visit the 12 Scenes of Jiangnan, take a leisurely stroll through the Ancient Copper Coin Town, and easily discover the local life and landscapes of southern Anhui. / Check out this comprehensive travel guide below ↓ / 📒Recommended itinerary: Day 1: Datong Ancient Town Scenic Area – Tongguanshan 1978 – Yongquan Town, visit the 12 Scenes of Jiangnan Explore the local life and landscapes of old Tongling, and experience the blend of ancient Hui charm and modern leisure. Day 2: Peach Blossom Pool – Taiping Lake – Moon Bay Scenic Area Stroll along the lakeshores of southern Anhui, enjoy the lake and mountain views, and discover poetic pastoral scenery. Day 3: Longquan Cave – Chaoyang River Spring Rafting, travel through the Ancient Copper Coin Town Explore karst caves, experience cool rafting, and discover the cultural charm of ancient copper coins. / Must-visit attractions: Peach Blossom Pool 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 Address: Shui Dong Street, Peach Blossom Pool Town, Jing County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province Open: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM Duration: 4–6 hours Amazing in spring! Flowers bloom along both sides of the Qingyi River. Take a bamboo raft on the pool and stroll through the ancient village streets—every photo looks like a traditional ink wash painting~ Taiping Lake 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 Address: Near Provincial Highway 103, Huangshan District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province Open: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM Duration: 3–5 hours So comfortable in summer! Take a boat to see the islands in the lake, enjoy water activities, watch the stunning sunset, and catch the limited-time water fire pot performance for the ultimate summer vacation vibe. Moon Bay Scenic Area 🟢🟢🟢 Address: Moon Bay Village, Caicun Town, Jing County, Xuancheng City Open: All day Duration: 1–3 hours Known as the "Little Guilin of Anhui," it features lush green mountains and clear water. It's super healing to feel the breeze while drifting on a bamboo raft. Longquan Cave 🟢🟢 Address: North of County Road 008, Xuanzhou District, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province Open: 8:15 AM–4:45 PM Duration: 1 hour The cave features varied rock formations and winding paths. It's an interesting, niche cave landscape worth a quick stop. / Travel tips: 1. Don't overorder food. Southern Anhui Hui cuisine tends to be salty and savory, so try a small portion before ordering more 🍚; 2. For local specialties like Huangshan Maofeng tea and Tongling ginger candy, prices in scenic areas are higher, so shop around 🧐; 3. When taking photos in ancient Hui villages, avoid the harsh midday sun; the light is better in the early morning or evening 📸; 4. There are customs for serving tea and alcohol locally, so don't casually refuse the host's hospitality 🙏. / Tap the card below to unlock exclusive travel essentials~

Hey everyone! I just returned from Jixi, that hidden gem in southern Anhui, and I feel completely healed by the ancient Hui-style charm! 🍂 The quote in the picture, "Don't rush, take it slow, and meet the most beautiful Jixi," really resonated with me. There's no excessive commercial noise here, just white walls, dark tiles, and idyllic landscapes. I've put together a 4-day, 3-night itinerary that I've personally tested. It's super interactive—just copy and go! Let's do this! 🚀 📍Basic attraction info Jixi is the heart of Huizhou culture and is super convenient to reach by high-speed rail! Best time to visit: March–May for the Jiapeng rapeseed flower terraces, and September–November for the stunning autumn colors 🍁. The core experience is ancient villages, historic architecture, and idyllic landscapes. Key landmarks include Longchuan Scenic Area (the Hu Family Ancestral Hall is breathtaking), Huihang Ancient Trail (a paradise for hikers), Zhangshan Grand Canyon (a natural oxygen bar), and Jiapeng Terraces (a photographer's paradise). There's also the Former Residence of Hu Shi, Ziyuan, the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree... poetry is everywhere! 🗺️Itinerary (personally tested, not tiring) Day 1 | Ancient Hui City & Cultural Exploration Arrive at Jixi North Station (about 15 minutes from the county town) → Longchuan Scenic Area → Former Residence of Hu Shi → Jixi Museum (to learn about Hui culture) → Stroll and eat at Jixi Old Street → Watch the sunset at Renli Ancient Village. Stay in the county town. Day 2 | Ancient Villages & Hui Culture Huihang Ancient Trail (just walk a section to get a feel for it, no need to do the whole thing) → Cool off and get some fresh air at Zhangshan Grand Canyon → Shangzhuang Ancient Village (Hu Shi's hometown) → Jiapeng Township Terraces → Kantou Ancient Village. Stay in Jiapeng Township. Day 3 | Idyllic Landscapes & Nature Jiapeng rapeseed flower terraces (the morning mist is stunning!) → Jingzhou Highway (feels like the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line) → Zhangshan Grand Canyon → Meiganling Viewing Platform (for panoramic shots of the terraces) → Shangcun Ancient Village. Continue staying in Jiapeng or return to the county town. Day 4 | Poetic Countryside & Leisurely Roaming Ziyuan Scenic Area (a condensed version of Hui-style gardens) → Xujiapeng Ancient Village → Xima Village → Thousand-year-old ginkgo tree (the golden autumn colors are incredible) → Jixi food experience → Return trip. 🏨Accommodation recommendations · I suggest staying in Jixi county town for the first 2 nights (it's close to the old street, convenient for food and drinks, and easy to transfer to various attractions). · For the third night, I highly recommend staying in Jiapeng Township! Open the window to see terraces and ancient villages. The atmosphere is amazing when you wake up to the mist in the morning. Most homestays are renovated old Hui-style houses, which feel super authentic—but facilities are limited, so bring your own toiletries. · If you want to experience the quiet of an ancient village at night, Renli Ancient Village or Shangcun also have unique homestays. 🍜Food recommendations You haven't really been to Jixi if you haven't eaten the food! Must-try Hui cuisine: Hu Shi Yipin Pot (super hearty!), Jixi stir-fried vermicelli (so fragrant!), stinky mandarin fish, hairy tofu (dare to try it?), and Daobanxiang (sliced salted meat, a perfect match). Also, try Ta Guo (a local specialty pancake, I love the preserved vegetable filling), Huizhou wontons, and rice wine. You can walk into any small shop on the old street; they are generally great, and prices are super low! 🤤 📸Photography guide 1. Longchuan Scenic Area: White walls and dark tiles on both sides of the water street. Wear Hanfu or plain-colored clothes and take photos of the reflections on the red bridge. 2. Jiapeng Terraces/Meiganling: Yellow rapeseed flowers + white houses and black tiles in spring; golden layers in autumn. Wide-angle overhead shots are amazing! 3. Huihang Ancient Trail: Bluestone paths, Blue Sky Hollow (Lantian'ao), capture the hiking vibe. 4. Zhangshan Grand Canyon: Waterfalls and streams, lush greenery, take photos with a refreshing feel. 5. Thousand-year-old ginkgo tree: Golden fallen leaves in autumn, creates an atmospheric shot that's a must-post for social media! 6. Jixi Old Street: Lanterns light up in the evening, full of local life. 7. Ziyuan: Small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and towers—every shot looks like a Hui ink painting. 💡Practical tips 1. Transportation: High-speed rail to Jixi North Station is the most convenient. For getting from the county town to attractions, I recommend self-driving, chartering a car, or renting a car. There are many mountain roads (as noted in the pictures), so drive safely and plan your route in advance. Some attractions have tourist shuttle buses. 2. Clothing: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the mountains! Even in summer, bring a light jacket; in spring and autumn, bring a windbreaker. Shoes must be comfortable and non-slip (for hiking + stone paths in ancient villages). 3. Sun protection and mosquito repellent: The UV rays are strong in the mountains, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. There are many mosquitoes near the canyon water, so mosquito repellent is a must. 4. Best season: March–May for rapeseed flowers, September–November for autumn colors—these are the most photogenic times. Other times are lush and green, which is also very healing. 5. Keep some cash on hand, as signal strength may be weak in ancient villages. ⚠️Tips to avoid pitfalls 1. Walking the entire Huihang Ancient Trail is very tiring. If you are traveling with elderly people or children, just walk a section to experience it; don't push yourself. 2. Jiapeng Terraces are very seasonal. If you go outside of the flowering or harvest season, it might look a bit plain. Check photos online before you go to manage your expectations. 3. Don't buy expensive local specialties at the entrance of scenic spots; it's more affordable to buy them on the old street in the county town. 4. Accommodation in Jiapeng is tight and prices go up on weekends, so be sure to book in advance! 5. There are many curves on the mountain roads. If you get carsick, bring motion sickness medicine. 6. Ask for the price before ordering food. Although Jixi is generally not a place that rips off tourists, it's always good to be cautious. In short, Jixi is truly a place where "the mountains and waters have clear sounds, and the Hui charm is in Jixi"! It's perfect for a weekend escape from the city to enjoy some slow-paced poetry. Save this post and set off whenever you're ready! If you have any questions, see you in the comments section—I'll definitely reply! Love you all~ ❤️

Hey everyone! Staying at this place for a vacation at Moon Bay is truly so comfortable😍! Nestled between mountains and water with complete facilities, it's perfect for both family trips and team building~ ✅Built by the creek ✅Smart facilities ✅Fully equipped 🏠 Homestay highlights: · The rooms are sparkling clean, the bedding is soft and comfortable, and every corner is spotless · Whole-house smart system with Xiaodu voice control, freeing up your hands and making life so easy · There's a clear little creek right at the doorstep, perfect for catching fish and shrimp—kids absolutely love it The hygiene details are handled perfectly, making for a very worry-free stay✨ 🌿 Things to do nearby: · Located right inside the Moon Bay Scenic Area, very close to the rafting spot, so you can head straight back to the homestay after playing · The homestay features an outdoor swimming pool, a game room, and KTV, suitable for both team building and family fun · Surrounded by forests, it's so comfortable to take a walk and get some fresh air You can have a great time without even leaving the property, maximizing that vacation vibe🌿 🍽️ Dining highlights: · Authentic Anhui farmhouse dishes made with fresh ingredients and genuine flavors · You can dine right at the homestay, no need to go out looking for food, which is so convenient Delicious and convenient, with a super high price-performance ratio😋

Just got back from Ningguo, and the post-trip blues are real! This small city, traversed by the "Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line," completely won me over with its emerald green lakes, water forests, and 5-yuan "baba" (stuffed flatbreads). ✨ Moments that make life worth living · Chujiatan: The "Ten-Mile Gallery" on the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line! In the early morning, mist rises over the lake, and the green mountains reflect in the clear water like an ink wash painting. It's free, and taking silhouettes by the Xijin River at dusk is absolutely stunning. · Metasequoia Forest: Over 2,000 mu of cedar forest growing in the water! Don't wait for autumn; the lush green of June is the most healing. Walking along the boardwalk over the water, you're surrounded by interwoven shades of green, and with sunlight shimmering on the water, every photo you take looks like a masterpiece. · Xijin Yedu: Known as the "Little Li River of Southern Anhui"! The morning mist is most beautiful from 6:30–8:00 AM. Take a bamboo raft through the green mountains and bamboo forests for a dreamy, hazy vibe. Choose the Gecun Pier for fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. · Heli-xi Old Street: A century-old street with a fresh look! With bluestone roads, Umbrella Alley, Zhuangyuan Alley, plus pottery making at the dragon kiln and intangible cultural heritage displays of Southern Anhui bamboo weaving. When the lanterns light up at night, it feels like stepping back in time. 🗺️ 2 days, 1 night: A classic itinerary you can copy directly · Day 1: Arrive in Ningguo at noon → Enter the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line from the east entrance → Afternoon: Take stunning landscape photos at Chujiatan → Dusk: Watch the sunset by the Xijin River → Stay at a homestay in Chujiatan or Banqiao Village · Day 2: Early morning: Watch the morning mist → Take a bamboo raft at Xijin Yedu → Walk the boardwalk at the Metasequoia Forest → Noon: Eat farm-style food in Fangtang Township → Afternoon: Drive the essence section of the Southern Anhui Sky Road, then head home at a leisurely pace 🥢 Worth the trip just for the food · Ningguo Baba: The soul food! Thin skin with lots of filling—"one part dough, three parts filling." You can add pickled vegetables, cowpeas, bamboo shoots, or dried tofu. Xijie Babawang and Yanjing Baba are popular spots with locals. · She Ethnic Black Pork: Free-range in the mountains of Southern Anhui, the meat is firm and flavorful. It's delicious whether braised or cured. · Huohong Fish Potstickers: The fish is tender, and the potstickers soak up the savory broth. It's incredibly fragrant when served fresh from the pot. · Qingming Guo (Green Rice Ball): Mugwort is kneaded into glutinous rice and stuffed with bamboo shoots and pickled vegetables. Steamed until bright green and glossy, it tastes like a bite of spring. The beauty of Ningguo lies in how it blends the gentleness of Jiangnan with the wild fun of a road trip. Go now before it gets too crowded! 🍃

The holiday is coming up. Have you decided where to go? We've selected a few scenic, less-crowded self-driving routes in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai region to help you enjoy a relaxing holiday on the road! 1. Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route – Xuancheng Highlight section: Qinglong Township, Ningguo – Caicun Town, Jing County, 120 km Highlights: Winding mountain roads, hidden bamboo forests, a popular scenic driving route in East China 2. Liyang Road No. 1 – Changzhou Main line + branch lines total 365 km Highlights: Viral rainbow road, forest boulevard, perfect for short scenic drives 3. Yangcheng Lake Loop Road – Suzhou Total length 72 km Highlights: Lakeside road, visit crab farms in autumn to eat hairy crabs 4. Taihu Lake Loop Road – Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Huzhou Total length 416.2 km, with 30+ roadside rest stops along the way Highlights: Circles Taihu Lake, blends lakes and mountains, suitable for cycling or driving in sections 5. Anhui-Zhejiang Sky Road – Hangzhou Total length 31 km, maximum altitude 1,158 meters Highlights: High-altitude winding mountain road, sea of clouds, mountain views, a hidden gem of a driving route in East China 6. Qiandao Lake Loop Road – Hangzhou Total loop length approx. 140 km Highlights: Qiandao Lake bays, rolling mountains and waters, comfortable for both cycling and driving 7. Jiangnan Tianchi Winding Mountain Road – Anji Tianhuangping Town – Jiangnan Tianchi summit, 18 km Highlights: Continuous curves, drive up to see the Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), excellent for sunsets and night views 8. Siming Mountain Winding Mountain Road – Ningbo Liangnong Town, Yuyao – Xikou, Fenghua, highlight section 42.8 km Highlights: Winding roads through the sea of clouds, redwoods in autumn and winter, full mountain forest atmosphere 9. Kuocang Mountain Winding Mountain Road – Taizhou Zhangjiadu, Linhai – Shuguang Monument at the summit of Mishilang, 28 km Highlights: Wind turbines, sea of clouds, sunrise, excellent for stargazing 10. Cangnan 168 Golden Coastline – Wenzhou Total length 168.8 km, known as the East China Sea No. 1 Road Highlights: Coastal loops, ocean, fishing villages, mudflats, enjoy ocean views the whole way These 10 self-driving routes are ready for your holiday plans. Note: Images are from the internet. Please contact us if there is any infringement! · END · Tap [Like + Heart + Share] to show your support

If you're planning an autumn trip to Southern Anhui in September or October, save this first! Many people fall into traps: either they go too early and the leaves haven't turned red, or they get stuck in the National Day holiday crowds, or they travel all the way there only to find the sun-drying of crops is over. I've compiled 4 spots, categorized as "Must-Visit" and "Optional." Follow this guide for your road trip to avoid unnecessary detours. By late September, the mountains of Southern Anhui slowly shed the deep green of midsummer, and autumn creeps up the slopes. If you want to avoid the crowds, this Southern Anhui road trip route lets you see ancient village sun-drying and encounter colorful mountain forests. ⭐ Tachuan | Autumn oil painting of Hui-style ancient villages [Must-Visit] 📍 Yixian, Huangshan | Very close to Hongcun ⏰ Best time: Chinese tallow trees start changing color in late September; late October is the peak for colors. The Chinese tallow trees on the slopes are painted in red, yellow, and green, with white walls and horse-head gables hidden among the colorful forest. In the early morning, mist blankets the village, and the viewing platform halfway up the mountain offers a fantastic view. 🎫 Admission: ¥40 | Be sure to go early; tour groups arrive in large numbers after 8:00 AM. Take a walk by Qishu Lake on the way. 💡 Tip: On rainy days, thick fog will obscure the panoramic view, and you won't see the oil painting-like village, so don't make the trip for nothing. ⭐ Yangchan Tulou | A scroll of mountain sun-drying [Must-Visit] 📍 Shexian Shendu Town ⏰ Best time: Mid-October–late October, when the sun-drying atmosphere is at its best. Unlike the typical Hui-style white walls, this place features layers of rammed-earth yellow buildings. In autumn, every household hangs chili peppers, corn, and pumpkins under their eaves, creating a vibrant, local atmosphere. ⚠️ Private cars cannot go up the mountain! You must take the scenic area shuttle bus, which costs ¥30 round-trip. There are many steps in the village, so wear soft-soled shoes. 💡 Tip: The shuttle bus has a closing time, so don't stay too late. On rainy days, farmers will bring their crops inside, which significantly diminishes the sun-drying scenery. ⭐ Ningguo Bald Cypress Wetland Park | Forest on the water [Optional] 📍 Fangtang Township, Ningguo, Xuancheng | Along the Southern Anhui "Sichuan-Tibet" Line ⏰ Best time: Colors change slowly from September to October; the peak red foliage doesn't arrive until November, so don't be misled by red leaf photos online! Rows of bald cypress trees stand in the water. Taking a boat through the forest with tree shadows reflecting on the lake creates a great atmosphere. Admission to the park is free; boat rides are charged separately. 💡 Tip: During the dry season, water levels drop, and the "forest on the water" scenery is greatly diminished. Expect long queues for boat rides on weekends. ⭐ Huangshan Scenic Area | Autumn colors in the high mountains [Optional] 📍 Tangkou Town, Huangshan City ⏰ Best time: Late September–late October; high-altitude areas enter autumn first. Autumn scenery arrives earlier on the mountain than at the base, with maple trees intertwined with Huangshan pines. Take the Xihai Grand Canyon monorail to overlook the colorful forests across the mountains. You may have a chance to see a sea of clouds at Bright Summit or Shixin Peak. 💡 Tip: Temperatures on the mountain are low, so a thick jacket is a must. Expect to queue for hours for the cable car during the National Day holiday! A sea of clouds is a matter of luck, so don't go up the mountain solely for that. 📝 Travel Tips ✅ Road trip is best! Attractions in Southern Anhui are scattered, and there are many curves in the mountains, so slow down and drive carefully. ✅ Itinerary reference: 3 days and 2 nights is ideal. Route: Yixian Tachuan → Shexian Yangchan Tulou → Ningguo Bald Cypress. Add Huangshan if you have extra time. Travel time between attractions is about 1 hour. ✅ Must-try food: Stinky mandarin fish, hairy tofu, braised pork with dried bamboo shoots, and Huizhou tanguo. ✅ There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the mountains; it is recommended to carry a jacket when visiting ancient villages and high mountains. Autumn in Southern Anhui doesn't arrive all at once; it slowly dyes the mountains and fields. Feel free to stop along your road trip to quietly experience the ancient villages and mountain forests.