Want to "lie flat" in Sept–Oct? Just got back from these uncrowded small cities and they're amazing

Want to "lie flat" in Sept–Oct? These 5️⃣ off-the-beaten-path cities are uncrowded and budget-friendly 01 Guangzhou | Guangdong To be clear, Guangzhou isn't exactly "off-the-beaten-path," but in Sept–Oct, the brutal summer heat has passed, and the evening river breeze makes it breathable. If you want to "lie flat," don't be greedy; just plan one main area per day. 📍 No need to buy a ticket to go to the top of Canton Tower. Just head to the riverside promenade at 6:00 PM to watch the tower light up. Use the money you saved for a late-night snack. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is best visited in the morning; it's less crowded and the lighting is good. The brick and wood carvings are worth a slow look. After exploring, turn into the old alleys of Liwan. 🍜 A bowl of wonton noodles plus a plate of rice noodle rolls is more authentic than restaurant food in tourist areas. Don't force yourself to hike to Moxing Ridge at Baiyun Mountain. Take the cable car from the South Gate, walk a short distance, and you'll reach the viewing platform—it's easy for seniors and children. 🚄 Subway plus taxi is the most stress-free way to get around. Avoid taking the bus during morning and evening rush hours. For a comfortable visit to Chimelong, choose a weekday; wait times for popular attractions can be cut in half. ⚠️ Prices are the same on weekends and holidays, but the crowds are overwhelming. Families with kids should consider splitting the visit over two days. 02 Pingdingshan | Henan Pingdingshan is underrated. In Sept–Oct, Yaoshan starts to show autumn colors. The red leaves aren't at their peak yet, but it's uncrowded and the temperature is comfortable. You can do Yaoshan and the Central Plains Buddha on the same day. Go up Yaoshan in the morning and take the cable car to save your legs. It's windy at the summit, so remember to bring a jacket. ⏰ Get up the mountain before 10:00 AM while the mist is still there—it's perfect for photos. Go to the Central Plains Buddha in the afternoon. There are many steps, so if you have bad knees, just take the sightseeing shuttle. 📍 Don't buy incense at the scenic area; prices are doubled compared to the bottom of the mountain. 🍜 After coming down, find a local eatery for a bowl of hot and sour soup with a sesame flatbread—it's half the price of the restaurants on the mountain. ⚠️ Dining options on the mountain are limited and expensive, so it's safer to bring your own snacks. This route is perfect for those who want to avoid crowded mountains. Driving yourself is most convenient; public transport transfers will waste half a day. 03 Ma'anshan | Anhui Ma'anshan is very close to Nanjing—a 20-minute high-speed train ride—but the tourist volume is on a completely different level. A top choice for "lying flat." The Yangtze River Caishiji Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area is the core. Walk along the riverside boardwalk, stop and go, and watch the cargo ships pass by slowly; the pace will naturally slow down. ⏰ The light is soft after 4:00 PM, and the river surface glitters with gold. 📍 Enter from the East Gate, walk along the river to Taibai Pavilion, and then loop back without retracing your steps. The boardwalk is flat and stroller-friendly. 🍜 After leaving the scenic area, find a Dangtu braised pork noodle shop. The noodles are chewy, and the portion of meat is generous. ⚠️ The kiosks inside the scenic area are a bit pricey, so buy water beforehand. Suitable for couples or solo travelers looking to clear their heads. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Ma'anshan East Station, then it's about a 20-minute taxi ride—less hassle than parking if you drive. 04 Haibei | Qinghai Sept–Oct is the most comfortable time of the year in Haibei. The summer crowds have receded, the grasslands are turning yellow, and the snow line on the Qilian Mountains is descending, creating richer color layers. Any road at the foot of the Qilian Mountains looks great. ⏰ Go once in the early morning and once at dusk; the light is completely different. The Heihe Grand Canyon is best visited in the afternoon. It's windy in the canyon, so wear a windbreaker. Lenglongling and Amidongsuo are suitable for hiking enthusiasts. 📍 You must take the shuttle bus inside the Amidongsuo scenic area. The hiking section is at a high altitude, so know your limits. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night can reach 15 degrees, so don't worry about the weight of a down jacket. 🍜 The hand-grabbed mutton and yak yogurt in Qilian County are worth trying. Book accommodation in advance; many guesthouses start closing after October. Driving is the best option; public transport is infrequent. Perfect for people who want to quietly enjoy the scenery without rushing. 05 Jingmen | Hubei Jingmen doesn't have a high profile, but the Xianling Mausoleum is worth a special trip. In Sept–Oct, the osmanthus flowers in the park are in bloom, and it smells sweet when you walk in. The Xianling Mausoleum Cultural Area is large but has few tourists, so you can take your time exploring. ⏰ Go in the morning when the light hits the red walls best. 📍 Take the sightseeing shuttle from the visitor center to the core area to save yourself two kilometers of unnecessary walking. ⚠️ There's not much shade in the park, so bring a hat and sunglasses on sunny days. 🍜 Back in the city, find an Aizi pie shop, eat them while hot, and pair them with a bowl of rice tea to cut the greasiness. Suitable for those interested in ancient architecture and a quiet atmosphere. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Jingmen Station, then it's about a 30-minute taxi ride. Buses are available but infrequent. 06 Yangzhou | Jiangsu Sept–Oct is the golden period for Yangzhou, but tourists are concentrated on weekends. If you want to "lie flat," choose a weekday, and the whole city is yours. For Slender West Lake, I recommend entering at 7:00 AM. The morning mist hasn't cleared, and Wuting Bridge looks like it's floating on the water. ⏰ After 8:00 AM, tour groups start arriving, and the experience drops off a cliff. Just choose one between Ge Garden and He Garden. The Four Seasons Rockery in Ge Garden is more exquisite, while the covered corridors in He Garden are better for photos. 📍 The two gardens are not far apart—a 15-minute walk. 🍜 Don't queue at the "internet-famous" restaurants for morning tea. Find one crowded with locals and order a round of dried tofu shreds, soup dumplings, and jade siu mai. ⚠️ The "Three Springs" restaurants are famous but expensive; it depends on your budget. Suitable for those who like a slow pace and morning tea. The city is small, and you can basically get anywhere for the base taxi fare. 07 Qiqihar | Heilongjiang In Sept–Oct, the Zhalong Ecological Tourism Area in Qiqihar enters its most comfortable season. The reeds turn golden, the red-crowned cranes start to gather, and the wind carries the scent of grass. To see the cranes at Zhalong, you have to catch the release time. ⏰ There's one show at 10:00 AM and another at 2:00 PM. Arrive at the crane viewing platform half an hour early to grab a spot. 📍 It's about a 40-minute drive from the city; chartering a car is easier than waiting for the bus. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the wetlands, so wear long sleeves, long pants, and use mosquito repellent. 🍜 Back in the city, you must have Qiqihar barbecue—marinated meat with onions, grilled over charcoal. It's more satisfying than any Michelin-starred meal. Suitable for families with kids and photography enthusiasts. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Qiqihar South Station, then it's about a 20-minute taxi ride into the city. 08 Jingdezhen | Jiangxi Sept–Oct in Jingdezhen is neither cold nor hot, perfect for slowly wandering around the Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue. There are markets on Friday and Saturday nights with twice as many stalls as usual. Taoxichuan is best visited in the evening. ⏰ After 5:00 PM, the lights come on; the old factory buildings with warm lighting look great in every photo. 📍 Don't bargain too hard at the market; many are student works, and the prices are already fair. The Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Museum is best visited in the morning to watch master craftsmen throwing clay and painting porcelain. ⚠️ Experience activities cost extra, so ask clearly before you start. 🍜 The cold noodles and fried dough sticks wrapped with mochi at Fuzhou Alley will fill you up for just a few yuan. Suitable for those interested in handmade crafts and markets. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Jingdezhen North Station, then it's about a 15-minute taxi ride to Taoxichuan. Out of these cities, choose Haibei if you want to completely clear your head, Yangzhou if you want to eat well, and Jingdezhen if you want to explore while having fun. Which one do you want to visit most?