Reverse travel during the National Day holiday! I found 4 hidden gems that are practically deserted!
Every National Day holiday, I just want to relax, but I often end up spending money to suffer 😭 Popular ancient towns are packed, and popular beaches are overflowing with crowds. Hotel prices skyrocket, queues at scenic spots take hours, and street food vendors rip you off. There's no relaxation a trip should offer; all you get is exhaustion and frustration!
After eight years as a travel blogger, I specialize in off-peak travel.
In 2026, I discovered four virtually deserted, stunningly beautiful hidden gems during the National Day holiday. All are low-commercialized, have stable prices, and retain their pristine natural beauty. Avoid the crowds, find tranquility and healing, and enjoy beautiful scenery at a slower pace.
🌿Songyang, Zhejiang | A Hidden Gem in Southwest Zhejiang
✨Recommended for National Day (Top Choice for Off-Peak Travel)
While crowds throng Wuzhen and Xitang, Songyang remains a quiet and healing ancient county with a thousand-year history of rural life! Extremely low tourist traffic during the National Day holiday, with few crowds. Low level of local commercialization, no overcrowded trendy shops or mass-produced snacks. No price gouging or overcharging for food and accommodation during the holiday. Clear autumn skies, golden rice paddies, and tranquil ancient villages. Preserving the most authentic Jiangnan rural charm, creating a captivating atmosphere.
✅Must-Do Experiences & Local Delicacies
▫️Songyang Old Street (Free) A truly "living old street," untouched by excessive renovations. Filled with local shops and workshops. A morning stroll reveals the vibrant atmosphere, where you can see elderly craftsmen at work. Leisurely stroll, take photos, and relax – a soothing escape from urban anxieties.
▫️Yangjiatang Ancient Village (Free) A yellow-walled ancient village built into the mountainside. Golden autumn paired with golden rice paddies creates a perfect blend of traditional rural charm. Quiet and peaceful, every corner of the fields is a photo opportunity. No crowds, immerse yourself in the autumn scenery of the ancient village.
▫️Damushan Tea Garden (Entrance fee 30 yuan) A vast tea garden offering panoramic views. Spacious and with gentle, easy-to-walk trails, perfect for cycling, strolling, and relaxing. The National Day holiday offers pleasant temperatures, with the tea plantations rippling like green waves in the breeze – a truly comfortable and relaxing experience.
▫️Local Delicacies: Dishes like fermented rice noodles with pork intestines, braised free-range chicken, handmade rice cakes, and celadon tofu pudding are all local favorites, affordable, authentic, and generously portioned.
💡National Day Exclusive Money-Saving Tips:
For accommodation, choose guesthouses in the old town's main streets to avoid overpriced rooms in tourist areas. Average price during the National Day holiday is 120-180 yuan per night, with stable prices. Get around the city on foot and with shared electric bikes; no need for taxis. For dining, stick to established restaurants in the old streets – transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Off-peak suggestion: Explore the old streets and ancient villages before 9 am to enjoy the scenery alone.
🏯Qingzhou, Shandong | A Thousand-Year-Old Ancient City in Northern China with Zero Commercialization
✨Recommended for National Day:
While Xi'an and Pingyao Ancient Cities are crowded and ticket prices are soaring, Qingzhou, this thousand-year-old treasure of northern China, is quietly overlooked! The core ancient streets are all free to enter. Fewer tourists during the National Day holiday mean the streets are spacious and uncrowded. There's virtually no influencer marketing, resulting in minimal commercialization. Food and accommodation prices are stable, with no price gouging. The ancient brick alleys and city gates retain their original charm. It combines the grandeur of northern China with a gentle, localized atmosphere.
✅Must-Do Experiences & Local Delicacies
▫️Qingzhou Ancient City Core Street Area (Free)
The ancient alleys are smooth and crisscrossed, perfect for leisurely strolls.
No noisy sales pitches or densely packed shops. Intangible cultural heritage shops and century-old houses are everywhere.
The evening lighting is soft and tranquil, creating a soothing ambiance.
▫️Ou Garden (Affordable, Niche Garden)
A classic private garden in northern China, quiet and uncrowded. Pavilions, lakes, ancient trees, and unique rocks are arranged in a harmonious way. Avoid the crowds of southern gardens and enjoy elegant scenery on your own.
▫️Yunmen Mountain Suburban Trail (… (Optional) Primarily gentle scenic walkways, no strenuous climbing required. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the ancient city; the autumn scenery is expansive and soothing.
▫️Local Delicacies: Longsheng Pastries, Pan-fried Buns, Tofu Pudding, Braised Beef
All are affordable, long-established brands, starting at single digits, delicious and guaranteed to please.
💡National Day Exclusive Money-Saving Tips:
Accommodation: Choose hotels in residential areas surrounding the ancient city. Average price during National Day is 130-200 RMB, high cost-performance ratio with no markup. The main streets and alleys of the ancient city are free; no tickets required.
Don't trust private guides in the scenic areas; explore freely.
For dining: Avoid the popular restaurants on the main street; restaurants in residential areas are more affordable and authentic.
🌊Dongshan Island, Zhangzhou, Fujian (Less Popular Area)
✨Recommended for National Day:
Avoid the crowds in Xiamen, Weihai, and Qingdao during National Day! Most people only flock to the main tourist areas, neglecting the lesser-known hidden gems of Dongshan Island.
The National Day holiday saw a sparse crowd, with the coastline spacious and soothing.
The beaches are clean, the water crystal clear, and prices are reasonable and stable.
There's no overcharging or seafood price gouging. Commercialization is restrained, preserving the relaxed, authentic feel of a seaside town. The gentle autumn breeze makes it the most comfortable and secluded beach retreat for National Day.
✅Must-Do Experiences & Local Delicacies
▫️Maluan Bay's Lesser-Known Beach (Free)
Ten times quieter than the popular Nanmen Bay!
Soft, fine sand and a calm sea, almost no tourists.
You can freely stroll, wade, feel the breeze, and relax.
The temperature at the beach is perfect during the National Day holiday—not too hot or humid, with an excellent atmosphere.
▫️Aojiao Village (Free)
A pristine fishing village with fishing boats scattered throughout, the sea breeze is soothing.
Strong Japanese-style beach atmosphere, no passersby in your photos.
The sunset glow bathes the sea, gentle and healing.
▫️Sufeng Mountain Ring Road (Free)
A gentle ring road, perfect for cycling or walking.
Mountains and sea meet, offering expansive views, unique and photogenic spots.
▫️Local Specialties
Minnan Four-Fruit Soup, Small Squid Noodles, Steamed Sea Fish, Peanut Soup
Fresh seafood. Affordable and transparent pricing, enjoy the same prices as locals
💡National Day Exclusive Money-Saving Tips
Avoid popular accommodations in Nanmen Bay; instead, choose guesthouses in Aojiao Village and Maluan Bay.
Average National Day price: 150-220 RMB, half the price of the main scenic area. Prioritize walking and cycling for beach activities; avoid overpriced water sports. Purchase and process seafood at local markets; avoid tourist stalls. Stroll along the island ring road in the late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunset and sea views alone.
🏞️Chongyi, Ganzhou, Jiangxi | A Hidden Gem in Southern Jiangxi
✨Recommended for National Day
A magical little town completely overlooked on your National Day travel list! No internet celebrity traffic, perpetually a quiet and unassuming destination. Almost zero tourists, zero congestion, and zero price spikes during the National Day holiday. Pristine mountain forests, lush vegetation, and fresh air. Tranquil mountain streams and gentle trails, virtually untouched by commercialization. Perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle, finding peace and quiet to relax and de-stress.
✅Must-do experiences & local delicacies
▫️Yangling National Forest Park (low-price tickets)
A natural oxygen bar, with stunning autumn scenery during the 2026 National Day holiday. Gentle and relaxing trails throughout, no strenuous hiking required. Lush green forests and streams. Clear streams, a truly healing experience for your lungs! Plenty of rest areas within the park, allowing for a relaxed and stress-free stroll.
▫️Shangbao Terraces (Off-the-beaten-path, free area) Golden waves of rice ripple in October, the terraced fields create a breathtaking atmosphere. Avoid the crowds and trendy terraces; this place is quiet and pristine. The smooth paths through the fields offer perfect opportunities for stunning, idyllic photos.
▫️Off-the-beaten-path rural alleyways (free) The local villages exude a rustic charm, untouched by commercialization. Stroll along the country lanes and experience the slow pace of rural life.
▫️Local Local Delicacies
Gannan Aimi Rice Cake, Tangpi (a type of steamed rice noodle), Hakka Stuffed Tofu, Local Chicken Soup
Light, nourishing, affordable, and generous portions; authentic Hakka flavors
💡National Day Exclusive Money-Saving Tips
Choose affordable hotels in county towns; prices remain stable around 100 yuan during the National Day holiday. Depart early for mountain and forest scenic areas for optimal air quality and minimal crowds. No hidden costs or package deals. Choose local home-style restaurants for excellent value and no hidden fees.
✨Summarizing the Styles of Four Lesser-Known Hidden Gems
🌿Songyang, Zhejiang: Jiangnan Rural Scenery Healing and relaxing, perfect for those who appreciate the slow pace of life in ancient villages and rice paddies.
🏯 Qingzhou, Shandong: A charming, less-traveled city in northern China, ideal for those who love the tranquility and charm of an old town.
🌊 Dongshan Island, Fujian: A gentle, less-traveled coastline, a must-visit for escaping the crowds and relaxing by the sea.
🏞️ Chongyi, Jiangxi: A pristine mountain retreat, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle, finding peace and quiet, and enjoying solitude.
📌 3 General Tips for Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel During National Day (Personally Tested and Effective)
1. Booking Tips: No need to book rooms at exorbitant prices one or two months in advance for less-traveled towns! 1. Book 3-5 days in advance; prices are generally not inflated during the 2026 National Day holiday.
Prioritize accommodations in residential areas, which are over 30% cheaper than those near scenic spots.
2. Keep your expectations low: Undiscovered gems with minimal development and no overly popular tourist attractions. Their strengths lie in their quiet, pristine environment, lack of crowds, and high cost-effectiveness. Those seeking bustling commercial districts and densely packed photo spots should consider this carefully.
3. The ultimate way to avoid peak season: No need to rush during the 2026 National Day holiday!
Less-known cities have fewer people throughout the day. No need to deliberately travel in the early morning or return late at night. Sleep in and explore at your own pace – that's the true essence of reverse tourism. Every National Day holiday, we want to relax, but often end up spending money to suffer 😭. Popular ancient towns are packed, popular beaches are overcrowded, hotel prices skyrocket, queues at scenic spots take hours, and street food is often overpriced. There's no relaxation that travel should offer; all you get is fatigue and frustration!
Eight years of dedicated travel blogging experience, specializing in off-peak travel.
In 2026, I personally tested and discovered four virtually untouched, stunningly beautiful hidden gems during the National Day holiday. All are low-commercialized, with stable prices, and retain their pristine natural beauty. Avoid the crowds of popular tourist spots; experience tranquility, healing, and breathtaking scenery. No need to rush or queue; enjoy a leisurely holiday. ✨
🌿Songyang, Zhejiang | A Hidden Gem in Southwest Zhejiang
✨Recommended for National Day (Top Choice for Off-Peak Travel)
While crowds throng Wuzhen and Xitang, Songyang remains a quiet and healing ancient county with a thousand-year history of rural charm!
Extremely low tourist traffic during the National Day holiday, with few crowds. Low level of local commercialization, no overcrowded trendy shops or mass-produced snacks. No price gouging or overcharging for food and accommodation during the holiday. Clear autumn skies, golden rice paddies, and tranquil ancient villages. Preserving the most authentic Jiangnan rural charm, creating a captivating atmosphere.
✅Must-Do Experiences & Local Delicacies
▫️Songyang Old Street (Free) A truly "living old street," untouched by excessive renovations. Filled with local shops and workshops. A morning stroll reveals the vibrant atmosphere, where you can see elderly craftsmen at work. Leisurely stroll, take photos, and relax – a soothing escape from urban anxieties.
▫️Yangjiatang Ancient Village (Free) A yellow-walled ancient village built into the mountainside. Golden autumn paired with golden rice paddies creates a perfect blend of traditional rural charm. Quiet and peaceful, every corner of the fields is a photo opportunity. No crowds, immerse yourself in the autumn scenery of the ancient village.
▫️Damushan Tea Garden (Entrance fee 30 yuan) A vast tea garden offering panoramic views. Spacious and with gentle, easy-to-walk trails, perfect for cycling, strolling, and relaxing. The National Day holiday offers pleasant temperatures, with the tea plantations rippling like green waves in the breeze – a truly comfortable and relaxing experience.
▫️Local Delicacies: Dishes like fermented rice noodles with pork intestines, braised free-range chicken, handmade rice cakes, and celadon tofu pudding are all local favorites, affordable, authentic, and generously portioned.
💡National Day Exclusive Money-Saving Tips:
For accommodation, choose guesthouses in the old town's main streets to avoid overpriced rooms in tourist areas. Average price during the National Day holiday is 120-180 yuan per night, with stable prices. Get around the city on foot and with shared electric bikes; no need for taxis. For dining, stick to established restaurants in the old streets – transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Off-peak suggestion: Explore the old streets and ancient villages before 9 am to enjoy the scenery alone.
🏯Qingzhou, Shandong | A Thousand-Year-Old Ancient City in Northern China with Zero Commercialization
✨Recommended for National Day:
While Xi'an and Pingyao Ancient Cities are crowded and ticket prices are soaring, Qingzhou, this thousand-year-old treasure of northern China, is quietly overlooked! The core ancient streets are all free to enter. Fewer tourists during the National Day holiday mean the streets are spacious and uncrowded. There's virtually no influencer marketing, resulting in minimal commercialization. Food and accommodation prices are stable, with no price gouging. The ancient brick alleys and city gates retain their original charm. It combines the grandeur of northern China with a gentle, localized atmosphere.
✅Must-Do Experiences & Local Delicacies
▫️Qingzhou Ancient City Core Street Area (Free)
The ancient alleys are smooth and crisscrossed, perfect for leisurely strolls.
No noisy sales pitches or densely packed shops. Intangible cultural heritage shops and century-old houses are everywhere.
The evening lighting is soft and tranquil, creating a soothing ambiance.
▫️Ou Garden (Affordable, Niche Garden)
A classic private garden in northern China, quiet and uncrowded. Pavilions, lakes, ancient trees, and unique rocks are arranged in a harmonious way. Avoid the crowds of southern gardens and enjoy elegant scenery on your own.
▫️Yunmen Mountain Suburban Trail (… (Optional) Primarily gentle scenic walkways, no strenuous climbing required. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the ancient city; the autumn scenery is expansive and soothing.
▫️Local Delicacies: Longsheng Pastries, Pan-fried Buns, Tofu Pudding, Braised Beef
All are affordable, long-established brands, starting at single digits, delicious and guaranteed to please.
💡National Day Exclusive Money-Saving Tips:
Accommodation: Choose hotels in residential areas surrounding the ancient city. Average price during National Day is 130-200 RMB, high cost-performance ratio with no markup. The main streets and alleys of the ancient city are free; no tickets required.
Don't trust private guides in the scenic areas; explore freely.
For dining: Avoid the popular restaurants on the main street; restaurants in residential areas are more affordable and authentic.
🌊Dongshan Island, Zhangzhou, Fujian (Less Popular Area)
✨Recommended for National Day:
Avoid the crowds in Xiamen, Weihai, and Qingdao during National Day! Most people only flock to the main tourist areas, neglecting the lesser-known hidden gems of Dongshan Island.
The National Day holiday saw a sparse crowd, with the coastline spacious and soothing.
The beaches are clean, the water crystal clear, and prices are reasonable and stable.
There's no overcharging or seafood price gouging. Commercialization is restrained, preserving the relaxed, authentic feel of a seaside town. The gentle autumn breeze makes it the most comfortable and secluded beach retreat for National Day.
✅Must-Do Experiences & Local Delicacies
▫️Maluan Bay's Lesser-Known Beach (Free)
Ten times quieter than the popular Nanmen Bay!
Soft, fine sand and a calm sea, almost no tourists.
You can freely stroll, wade, feel the breeze, and relax.
The temperature at the beach is perfect during the National Day holiday—not too hot or humid, with an excellent atmosphere.
▫️Aojiao Village (Free)
A pristine fishing village with fishing boats scattered throughout, the sea breeze is soothing.
Strong Japanese-style beach atmosphere, no passersby in your photos.
The sunset glow bathes the sea, gentle and healing.
▫️Sufeng Mountain Ring Road (Free)
A gentle ring road, perfect for cycling or walking.
Mountains and sea meet, offering expansive views, unique and photogenic spots.
▫️Local Specialties
Minnan Four-Fruit Soup, Small Squid Noodles, Steamed Sea Fish, Peanut Soup
Fresh seafood. Affordable and transparent pricing, enjoy the same prices as locals
💡National Day Exclusive Money-Saving Tips
Avoid popular accommodations in Nanmen Bay; instead, choose guesthouses in Aojiao Village and Maluan Bay.
Average National Day price: 150-220 RMB, half the price of the main scenic area. Prioritize walking and cycling for beach activities; avoid overpriced water sports. Purchase and process seafood at local markets; avoid tourist stalls. Stroll along the island ring road in the late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunset and sea views alone.
🏞️Chongyi, Ganzhou, Jiangxi | A Hidden Gem in Southern Jiangxi
✨Recommended for National Day
A magical little town completely overlooked on your National Day travel list! No internet celebrity traffic, perpetually a quiet and unassuming destination. Almost zero tourists, zero congestion, and zero price spikes during the National Day holiday. Pristine mountain forests, lush vegetation, and fresh air. Tranquil mountain streams and gentle trails, virtually untouched by commercialization. Perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle, finding peace and quiet to relax and de-stress.
✅Must-do experiences & local delicacies
▫️Yangling National Forest Park (low-price tickets)
A natural oxygen bar, with stunning autumn scenery during the 2026 National Day holiday. Gentle and relaxing trails throughout, no strenuous hiking required. Lush green forests and streams. Clear streams, a truly healing experience for your lungs! Plenty of rest areas within the park, allowing for a relaxed and stress-free stroll.
▫️Shangbao Terraces (Off-the-beaten-path, free area) Golden waves of rice ripple in October, the terraced fields create a breathtaking atmosphere. Avoid the crowds and trendy terraces; this place is quiet and pristine. The smooth paths through the fields offer perfect opportunities for stunning, idyllic photos.
▫️Off-the-beaten-path rural alleyways (free) The local villages exude a rustic charm, untouched by commercialization. Stroll along the country lanes and experience the slow pace of rural life.
▫️Local Local Delicacies
Gannan Aimi Rice Cake, Tangpi (a type of steamed rice noodle), Hakka Stuffed Tofu, Local Chicken Soup
Light, nourishing, affordable, and generous portions; authentic Hakka flavors
💡National Day Exclusive Money-Saving Tips
Choose affordable hotels in county towns; prices remain stable around 100 yuan during the National Day holiday. Depart early for mountain and forest scenic areas for optimal air quality and minimal crowds. No hidden costs or package deals. Choose local home-style restaurants for excellent value and no hidden fees.
✨Summarizing the Styles of Four Lesser-Known Hidden Gems
🌿Songyang, Zhejiang: Jiangnan Rural Scenery Healing and relaxing, perfect for those who appreciate the slow pace of life in ancient villages and rice paddies.
🏯 Qingzhou, Shandong: A charming, less-traveled city in northern China, ideal for those who love the tranquility and charm of an old town.
🌊 Dongshan Island, Fujian: A gentle, less-traveled coastline, a must-visit for escaping the crowds and relaxing by the sea.
🏞️ Chongyi, Jiangxi: A pristine mountain retreat, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle, finding peace and quiet, and enjoying solitude.
📌 3 General Tips for Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel During National Day (Personally Tested and Effective)
1. Booking Tips: No need to book rooms at exorbitant prices one or two months in advance for less-traveled towns! 1. Book 3-5 days in advance; prices are generally not inflated during the 2026 National Day holiday.
Prioritize accommodations in residential areas, which are over 30% cheaper than those near scenic spots.
2. Keep expectations low: These off-the-beaten-path destinations are undeveloped and free from the usual tourist hotspots. Their appeal lies in their quiet, pristine environment, lack of crowds, and high cost-effectiveness. Those seeking bustling commercial districts and numerous photo spots should consider this carefully.
3. The ultimate way to avoid peak travel times: No need to rush during the 2026 National Day holiday!
Less-traveled cities have low crowds throughout the day. No need to travel in the early morning or return late at night. Wake up naturally and explore at your own pace – that's the true essence of reverse tourism.