Luoding: A hidden gem so niche I almost want to keep it a secret

Worried about getting stuck in traffic or fighting crowds at tourist spots during the Mid-Autumn Festival? Take my advice! Head to Luoding, just a 2h 40m drive from the Pearl River Delta. This "reverse travel" experience was so good, it’s officially my new favorite.🚗 The entire drive was smooth, with zero traffic jams. Even getting off the highway and into the city center was incredibly easy! [📍 One-Day Road Trip Itinerary] Depart from the Pearl River Delta at 8:00 AM. First stop: Cai Tingkai's Former Residence, about a 30-minute drive from the city center. You can catch glimpses of the distant karst peaks along the way—the scenery is so soothing. The residence features a three-hall main structure with side wings, two towering watchtowers in the back, and a very orderly bluestone courtyard. There was hardly anyone there, so no need to worry about crowds. I even met a local gentleman who shared interesting stories about how the watchtowers were used to defend against bandits. After leaving the residence, drive halfway around Jinyin Lake. The lake surface sparkles, and the small island with its lush trees makes for a quiet, picturesque scene. It’s completely free of noisy crowds, making it the perfect place to clear your mind. Just pull over and snap a few photos—everything looks great. Second stop: The karst peaks in Pingtang Town. The light around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM is absolutely perfect! The shadows of the peaks fall across the rice paddies, creating stunning contrast. A few solitary trees stand in the middle of the fields—the photos look like ready-made wallpapers. Right next to the peaks is Julong Cave. The stalactites inside are incredibly well-preserved. The "Julong Hall" is massive, filled with layers of stalagmites and stone curtains. The lighting is tasteful and elegant. It takes about 1 hour to walk through, and you'll come out just in time for sunset. Third stop: Time your arrival at the Luoding Wen Tower for sunset. I have to pat myself on the back for this timing! The setting sun paints the tower in warm orange hues. An ancient tower against the evening glow is guaranteed to be the highlight of your social media feed. Each level of the tower has arched windows, offering different views from every height. From the top level, you can watch the sun dip behind the distant mountains, with the river reflecting the afterglow—it’s incredibly atmospheric. The ancient city wall next to the tower also has so much character in the twilight, with the moss on the blue bricks glowing under the setting sun. Before heading back, I made a special detour to Jinyin Lake to see the Mid-Autumn moon. The round, bright moon hung over the lake, and the surroundings were so quiet that only the wind could be heard. It was so healing. The day was packed but not tiring at all. The drive between each spot was less than 30 minutes, making for a very comfortable pace.