October budget-friendly autumn travel list: 8 hidden gems with great scenery and low costs!
“1️⃣ Jingzhou
Recommendation: October autumn vibes in the Dong villages of southwest Hunan, golden rice paddies, quiet ancient villages, experience ethnic customs on a budget
Scenery: Dizun Miao Village, Feishan, golden autumn rice paddies, scattered Dong wooden houses, authentic ethnic scenery
Accommodation: Standard hotels in the county seat/Dong family inns, simple and clean
Price: From CNY 420+/3 days
Transportation: Jingzhou High-Speed Railway Station, transfer to a shuttle bus to the Miao village, driving is more convenient
Tips: Don't make impulse purchases of local village specialties; it's cool in the mountains in the morning and evening, bring a light jacket
2️⃣ Yidu
Recommendation: October scenery of the Qingjiang River is picturesque, autumn canyon views, quiet mountains, an affordable short-trip destination in Hubei
Scenery: Tributary scenery of the Qingjiang Gallery, ancient villages, autumn forests in the mountains, green river water, few tourists
Accommodation: Budget hotels in Yidu county seat, many dining options, affordable prices
Price: From CNY 400+/3 days
Transportation: Yichang East High-Speed Railway Station, transfer to a bus to Yidu, driving is recommended as attractions are scattered
Tips: Wear non-slip shoes for canyon hiking; be careful when playing near the water, do not enter the water without supervision
3️⃣ Anren
Recommendation: October harvest in the rice paddies of southern Hunan, quiet ancient villages, light Danxia colors, few people and low costs
Scenery: Golden rice paddy park, ferry ancient villages, Danxia hills, full of autumn pastoral vibes
Accommodation: Affordable hotels in Anren county seat, great value, rich in snacks
Price: From CNY 380+/3 days
Transportation: Hengyang East High-Speed Railway Station, transfer to a bus to Anren; attractions are not far from each other
Tips: Use the walkways for rice paddy photos, do not step on crops; ask for prices before ordering local snacks
4️⃣ Kaihua
Recommendation: October autumn colors in the forests of Qianjiangyuan, clear streams and springs, a hidden gem in western Zhejiang, great value for food and accommodation
Scenery: Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park, babbling streams, forests slowly turning colorful, a great place for fresh mountain air
Accommodation: Budget homestays in the county seat, generous portions of farm-style dishes, friendly prices
Price: From CNY 430+/3 days
Transportation: Quzhou High-Speed Railway Station, transfer to a shuttle bus to Kaihua, driving is recommended for sightseeing
Tips: Some sections in the forest park are damp; bring your own drinking water, there are few small shops in the mountains
5️⃣ Leiyang
Recommendation: October autumn scenery in the hometown of Cai Lun, continuous bamboo seas, quiet ancient villages, a niche and affordable destination in Hunan
Scenery: Vast green waves of the Cai Lun Bamboo Sea, quiet and simple ancient villages, refreshing autumn mountains, few tourists
Accommodation: Hotels in Leiyang county seat, affordable prices, local home-style dishes are reasonably priced
Price: From CNY 390+/3 days
Transportation: Leiyang West High-Speed Railway Station, transfer to a shuttle bus to the Bamboo Sea scenic area
Tips: Choose sightseeing vehicles in the Bamboo Sea scenic area as needed; there are many mosquitoes on the mountain, bring mosquito repellent
6️⃣ Cenxi
Recommendation: October leisurely scenery in eastern Guangxi, stone temples and ancient villages, pastoral scenery, a low-cost autumn travel destination in Guangxi
Scenery: Tianlongding Mountain Park, ancient stone villages, pastoral mountains, warm and comfortable autumn scenery in the south
Accommodation: Hotels in Cenxi county seat, breakfast rice noodles are cheap and delicious
Price: From CNY 370+/3 days
Transportation: Wuzhou South High-Speed Railway Station, transfer to a bus to Cenxi, driving up the mountain is recommended
Tips: It's windy at the top of Tianlongding, bring a light jacket; there are many curves on the mountain road, slow down and drive carefully
7️⃣ Shexian
Recommendation: October red leaves in Taihang Mountains begin to bloom, clusters of ancient villages, rich landscapes, a money-saving autumn leaf viewing spot in North China
Scenery: Taihang Red Leaf Canyon, Wahuang Palace, Wangjinzhuang stone ancient village, simple and grand Taihang autumn colors
Accommodation: Affordable hotels in Shexian county seat, generous portions of farm-style dishes
Price: From CNY 410+/3 days
Transportation: Handan High-Speed Railway Station, transfer to a bus to Shexian, driving is the most convenient way to visit ancient villages
Tips: Red leaf viewing is affected by weather; wear non-slip shoes for hiking, there is a large temperature difference in the mountains
8️⃣ Tongshan
Recommendation: October colorful forests in Jiugong Mountain, mountains and lakes reflecting each other, affordable prices in the mountain town, a short and light trip
Scenery: Alpine lakes in Jiugong Mountain, forests gradually changing colors, high probability of seeing sea of clouds, a niche autumn mountain in Hubei
Accommodation: Hotels in Tongshan county seat are much cheaper than on the mountain, choose local farm-style dishes for specialties
Price: From CNY 440+/3 days
Transportation: Xianning North High-Speed Railway Station, transfer to a bus to Tongshan, chartering a car or driving is recommended to go up the mountain
Tips: Low temperature at the summit, bring a jacket; supplies are expensive on the mountain, buy snacks and water in the county seat in advance”@lucien_everhart_91 · 5 days ago