Dragon Boat Festival Escape Plan: Delicious Food, Fun Activities, and Instagrammable Spots

Hey everyone! The Dragon Boat Festival mini-holiday is finally here~ Can't wait to get out and explore? As your seasoned travel buddy, I must share these hidden gems perfect for the holiday—scenic mountains, refreshing waters, mouthwatering food, and spots that'll light up your social media 📸. Bookmark this now! 🌊 **"Beach Bum Squad" – Healing Coastal Slow Life** 1. **Dongshan Island, Fujian** Who can resist a beach that "sings"? Walk on the soft sands of Jinluan Bay, listen to the waves rustling with seashells, catch a tangerine-hued sunrise 🌅 at dawn, and enjoy an ice-cold beer 🍻 on the embankment of Nanmen Bay in the evening while street musicians play *"Want to Go to the Beach."* Must-dos: Rent an e-bike to circle the island (~¥30/person/day), visit the rooftop from the movie *"The Left Ear,"* and feast on fresh seafood (try the salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp and mango smoothie! 🥭). ⚠️Tips: It gets crowded during the festival—stay in Tongling Old Town for local vibes and easy access to attractions. 2. **Hua Island, Zhejiang** The ultimate spot for "bioluminescent seas"! From May to June, the ocean glows blue at night ✨, like stepping into a fairy tale. By day, visit Foshou Rock for fishing 🎣 or wander the blue-and-white houses of Lighthouse Village—every photo looks like "Little Santorini." Must-eats: Seafood noodles (super fresh broth!) and *shihua* jelly (a local chilled dessert). 🏞️ **"Mountain Oxygen Squad" – Immersive Nature Retreats** 1. **Wugong Mountain, Jiangxi** Want a hike without the summer heat? Wugong Mountain’s 1,600m-high meadows ripple like green waves 🌿. Hike by day, camp under starry skies 🌌 by night, and if you’re lucky, catch a sea of clouds rolling in—like walking on clouds! Must-try: Take the cable car (saves energy!), walk the glass skywalk, and savor silky tofu pudding at the base 😋. ⚠️Tips: Pack a light jacket for temperature swings, then unwind in Wentang Town’s hot springs ♨️ post-hike. 2. **Zhaoxing Dong Village, Guizhou** A "hidden world" in southeast Guizhou, where stilted houses stack like layers and terraced fields wrap the hills like green ribbons 🌾. Join locals at dawn for sour pork and colorful sticky rice 🍚, listen to Dong grand songs (a UNESCO-recognized tradition!), and watch sunsets over Tang’an Terraces—when flooded, they sparkle like scattered diamonds 💎. Must-dos: Hike the "Tang’an to Zhaoxing" trail (6km, ~2hrs) and try indigo dyeing (hands-on fun!). 🎡 **"Citywalk Crew" – Dragon Boat Festival Vibes in Urban Charm** 1. **Pingjiang Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu** "Arrive in Gusu to find homes nestled by canals." Glide on a paddleboat to *pingtan* melodies 🎵, admire lantern-lit alleys, and spot hanfu-clad ladies crossing stone bridges with oil-paper umbrellas. Drop a postcard at *"Cat’s Sky"* bookstore 📮 and try osmanthus-sprinkled sweet rice porridge 🌼. 2. **Chaozong Street, Changsha, Hunan** Who says the festival must be quiet? Spice it up in Changsha! Hunt for quirky shops in Chaozong’s historic lanes, sip *perilla peach ginger* tea 🍑 in Sujia Alley, soak in old-town vibes at White Orchard, then devour crayfish at *Super Wenyuhe* 🦞—shout *"Yunwei!"* (local for "so good!") like a pro. 🧩 **Pro Tips (Highlight These!)** ✅ Beachgoers: Pack high-SPF sunscreen + a sun hat (physical FTW! 👒). ✅ Mountain trails: Bring bug spray and anti-itch cream! ✅ Check local dragon boat race schedules 🛶—don’t miss out. ✅ Book central stays to dodge holiday traffic stress. Final thought: The best part of the festival isn’t how far you go, but sharing the journey with loved ones. 🌟