2026 Dingnan Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

If your plans are still up in the air, I have the perfect solution for you. Forget the bustling metropolises. This year, head to the heart of ancient traditions—the Dinnan Ancient Fortress of the Hakka people (定南客家古城). 🏮 The fortress is a former county capital with a history of 450 years. These are not mere decorations but authentic ancient walls, gates, and streets where you can immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions. 🎏 Ritual magic: ✅ The "Opening of City Gates" ceremony—a time machine to the Ming Dynasty era. ✅ The nighttime procession "Dance of Fish and Dragons" featuring hundreds of handmade lanterns—a breathtaking spectacle. ✅ Lion dances and fire shows, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. 🍲 Hakka cuisine: A gastronomic delight for foreigners! This is the kind of food that everyone will love—hearty, aromatic, and incredibly delicious. You don’t need to be an adventurous foodie to fall in love with it. My personal recommendations: Duck in sour wine (酸酒鸭), braised tofu stuffed with meat (酿豆腐), fried wonton dumplings (煎馄饨), and pork braised with salted mustard greens (梅菜扣肉). At the Dinnan Fortress, you’ll become a full participant in the celebration: you can join locals in releasing sky lanterns with heartfelt wishes, take part in communal dances during the fish lantern procession, and learn to make traditional dumplings under the guidance of local hosts. Through these personal experiences—whether it’s the warmth of a cup of freshly brewed Lei Cha (擂茶) or the shared "Gongxi Facai!"—you’ll truly feel the joy, hope, and heartfelt warmth of Chinese New Year. It will be your personal celebration, not just a tourist spectacle. 📍Jiangxi Province. You can reach it from Guangzhou by train or car. 🎫 Book event tickets in advance.

Lantern parade 🏮, intangible cultural heritage ⛲️, and Hakka cuisine You don't have to go to Yunnan to visit the ancient village in Meet Yourself. The high-speed rail 🚄 takes you directly there, making it perfect for a weekend getaway! Itinerary recommendation 🗺️ DAY 1️⃣: Arrive by high-speed rail - Stroll through the ancient city - Hakka Lei Cha - Stargazing camping - Fish and dragon dance parade DAY 2️⃣: Pick Gannan navel oranges - Intangible cultural heritage tie-dye - Tea by the stove - Return 🏯 Stroll through the ancient city Start from Yingyang Gate, walk along the old stone road, and see the ancient walls and gray tiles! Visit the ancient city in Meet Yourself. The city has nine streets, five alleys, and three ancient city gates. There are many delicious foods along the way. At night, there is a 🏮 lantern parade, which is really spectacular, like walking into the movie scene of Big Fish & Begonia! 📿 Intangible cultural heritage in the ancient city Tie-dye, lacquer fans, handmade lanterns, etc. It is recommended to spend half a day learning traditional skills Or experience Hanfu makeup, take a lantern and take photos 🥘 Hakka cuisine Dingnan noodles, goose fish dumplings, stuffed spring rolls, iron spoon rice cakes You can also try the local pork feast and experience Hakka culture 🎠 Fun nearby There are not only farms with pastoral scenery where you can catch chickens and pick oranges 🍊 You can also go stargazing camping 🏕️ and enjoy a concert at night There are many ways to have fun, making it perfect for family and couples~ Travel tips: 1️⃣ The fish and dragon dance parade is usually held on holidays or Saturdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Please check the activity schedule of the scenic area. 2️⃣ It is recommended to stay overnight. We stayed at the Fengheju Homestay in the park, which is very convenient. 🏠 Dingnan Hakka Ancient City 🚄: Dingnan South Station, about 15-20 minutes by taxi to the scenic area

I've found another hidden gem (a new attraction)!! Not only is it free, but there are also many Hakka buildings There are also many local snacks and folk experiences From Guangzhou/Shenzhen, take a high-speed train for 1.5-2 hours 🚄 It's perfect for office workers to relax and have fun on the weekend~~ · [Transportation Guide] 📍Dingnan Hakka Ancient City, Dingnan County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province 🎫Free admission 🚄High-speed train: 1️⃣Guangzhou East Station ➠ Dingnan South Station (about 2 hours, CNY 207) 2️⃣Shenzhen North Station/Shenzhen Station ➠ Dingnan South Station (about 1.5 hours, CNY 167) 3️⃣Arrive at Dingnan South Station and take a taxi for 15 minutes to Dingnan Hakka Ancient City 4️⃣Take the "Hakka Ancient City Tourist Line" at Dingnan South Bus Station at the high-speed train station, and arrive at Dingnan Hakka Ancient City in 30 minutes 🚗Drive from Guangzhou/Shenzhen, about 3.5 hours · [Travel Guide] 🔹Ancient City Sightseeing: During the day, the Hakka ancient buildings are scattered, and the bricks and tiles reveal a strong historical charm. At night, fish lamps light up along the ancient streets, like stars falling into the world, as if entering a dreamland far away from the hustle and bustle of the world 🔹Activities: Tea by the stove, stargazing camping, bonfire party... 🔹Folk Experience: Tie-dye, splatter painting, lacquer fan, fish lantern, intangible cultural heritage flower hat... 🔹Performances: Fish and Dragon Dance, Bench Dragon Parade, Tea-picking Opera, Fire Skirt Dance, Lion Dance, Singer Performance... (Parade and performance time: Saturday and major holidays. Friday night is random, it is recommended to consult the scenic spot in advance, don't go for nothing) · [Accommodation Suggestions] 🔹It is recommended to stay in the ancient city. I stayed at "Fengheju Homestay", about CNY 100 per person, 200 meters from the ancient city gate, 3 minutes walk, you can see the lake view and the ancient city view in the room, sitting by the window to enjoy the breeze, the beautiful scenery, and daze, is also very comfortable~ You can also camp, barbecue, and have a bonfire party on the lawn next to the homestay at night~ · [Local Food] 🔹Goose fish dumplings, spring rolls, pearl noodles, fried conch wontons, green dumplings, Ganzhou navel oranges, iron spoon rice cakes, tofu stuffed, wormwood jelly, Hakka large bowl of tea, locust flower rice cakes... 💰The consumption in the ancient city is very low, many snacks are CNY 1 each, CNY 5 a bowl, don't mention how enjoyable it is to eat!!!

🏯 Longnan, Jiangxi — a forgotten Hakka walled village museum Deep in southern Jiangxi, this small town is home to 376 Hakka walled villages. There’s no commercial bustle, just authentic local life. · Transportation: 2.5 hours by high-speed train from Guangzhou South Station to Longnan East Station · Must do: Guanxi Xinwei (light show and mountain song performances on Friday and Saturday nights); learn to make Hakka hot skin noodles for 20 yuan with Grandma Liao at Yanyiwei; capture morning mist at Wushiwei at 7 AM · Must eat: Huangji radish dumplings, Zhong’s stuffed tofu, and the bench porridge shop that opens at 3 AM · Tips: Wearing Hanfu or Hakka clothing may get you free admission to the walled villages; bring mosquito repellent as bugs are common 🌉 Sanjiang, Guangxi — a living museum of Dong culture A hidden Dong village reachable by Gui-Guang high-speed rail, with 79.7% forest coverage. There are more wind-and-rain bridges and drum towers than people. · Transportation: Multiple daily trains from Guangzhou South Station to Sanjiang South Station, about 2 hours+ · Must do: Chengyang Eight Villages (free rice field fishing and snail picking experiences); tea tasting and mountain tours at Buyang Xianren Mountain; Danzhou Ancient Town and Sanjiang Great Dong Village scenic areas · Must eat: Sanjiang oil tea and Dong-style sour dishes · Tips: Festivals happen every month, earning it the nickname “hometown of 100 festivals.” Check the local folk calendar before you go 🏞️ Jingxi, Guangxi — the “Little Guilin” on the China-Vietnam border Only one-tenth the tourists of Guilin, with karst peaks and emerald rivers perfect for photos. · Transportation: About 3 hours by high-speed train from Guangzhou to Jingxi Station, then a 10-minute taxi to downtown · Must do: E Spring and Old Zhou Ancient Town (almost private with few tourists); rent an electric scooter for 40 yuan/day to freely explore the mountains and rivers · Costs: Guesthouses 150–200 yuan per night, meals about 50 yuan per person, no price hikes during Labor Day · Tips: May is peak water season, making the scenery especially stunning 🏛️ Dingnan, Jiangxi — a 450-year-old Hakka ancient town, a real-life “Big Fish & Begonia” A free ancient town hidden on the Jiangxi-Guangdong border, so off the beaten path you can have the whole street to yourself on weekends. The night views are breathtaking. · Transportation: About 2 hours by high-speed train from Guangzhou South Station to Dingnan South Station, then a 10-minute taxi to the ancient town · Must do: Fish lantern night tour (starts at 7:30 PM, a must-see), Ming Dynasty city walls, tea-picking opera performances, and DIY Hakka fish lantern making · Must eat: Goose fish dumplings (fish meat skin), Hakka hot skin noodles, and the green bean dessert favored by variety show stars · Tips: Free admission all day, all intangible cultural heritage performances are free; filming location for “Let’s Start Reasoning 3” · -- Four directions, four unique experiences. Pick a weekend and go.

Compared to a typical scenic spot, Dingnan Hakka Ancient City is more like a blind box that needs to be explored slowly to be unlocked. From the first rooster crow at dawn to the moment the lanterns light up the ancient streets at nightfall, every corner here hides surprising details. · Travel recommendations · City wall ruins: The core attraction of the old city. You can climb up to experience 450 years of history. · Nine streets and five alleys: A crisscross network of ancient streets and alleys that offers a true glimpse into the lives of the local residents. · Ancient architectural complex: Numerous well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as the former residence of Wei Yuan, the first governor of Jiangxi. · Cultural and creative center: Located within the ancient city, it offers Hakka cultural experiences and a variety of souvenirs for purchase. · Intangible cultural heritage exhibition hall: Showcases various intangible cultural heritage items from Dingnan, such as paper cutting and embroidery. · Ancient city old street night: After nightfall, the old street takes on a unique charm, with lanterns and fish lanterns illuminating the entire district. · Must-do activities · Climb the city wall: Free to enter, offering a bird's-eye view of the entire ancient city. · Stroll the old street: Experience authentic Hakka customs. · Visit cultural and creative shops: Pick out your favorite souvenirs to take home. · Taste local food: Don't miss Hakka specialties like Dingnan rice noodles and Nan'an pressed duck. · Watch intangible cultural heritage performances: Learn about Dingnan's Hakka culture and folk art.

I went back to Ganzhou for the Chinese New Year and wanted to see the walled villages, so I took a trip to Longnan and Dingnan before the holiday. 1. Dingnan Ancient City We set off early and arrived at Dingnan Ancient City after 10:00 AM. We searched for "Dingnan Ancient City," but Baidu Maps navigated us to an empty parking lot, probably on the outskirts of the ancient city. We weren't familiar with the area and there were no specific signs, so we re-navigated to the Ancient City Tourist Center and parked there. Parking at the tourist center was probably 10 yuan per entry. The ancient city is right across the street; just follow the slope to the end and you'll see the Yingyang Gate of the ancient city. The ancient city's Chinese New Year events didn't start until Feb 14. We went on Feb 13, but we could still see some NPCs, like Jinyiwei guards, private secretaries, and magistrates. The whole ancient city isn't very big, and there were almost no people before the holiday. We strolled through the streets, visited the God of Wealth Temple (which houses Lai Buyi, a famous ancient physiognomist from the local area), the City God Temple, and the County Government Office (with rooms for minor officials corresponding to the Six Ministries). We ate delicious pearl noodles and sweet potato wine, plus that round green cake—what was it called? Iron plate something? It was 1 yuan each, quite cheap! They say it's beautiful when the lights come on at night, and there's even a fish lantern parade—you can definitely imagine it! We didn't have enough time this trip, so we'll stay here for a night next time to see it. 2. Guanxi Walled Village It didn't take long to get from Dingnan Ancient City to Guanxi Walled Village. The entire scenic area is quite large. Upon entering, there's a pass and an observation deck where you can see the panoramic view. Then there's a stone maze, which is simply a favorite for kids! As for the walled villages, due to limited energy, we only saw Xichang Wei and Guanxi New Wei. [Sob] Actually, the whole attraction is a cluster of walled villages, containing six in total. Xichang Wei is an irregular old walled village and the ancestral home of the famous gentleman Xu Mingjun, while Guanxi New Wei was built by him. The entire square layout of the walled village is very orderly, and his children, grandchildren, and concubines all lived here. It really is a place of high walls and deep courtyards, airtight and enclosed. Penggao Wei and Tianxin Wei nearby were built by his brothers and son. The inheritance and lineage of a family are clearly visible. 3. Liyuan Walled Village We booked our homestay at Liyuan Walled Village, and the price before the holiday was great! There's an immersive performance at Liyuan Walled Village at night, which is free to watch if you stay at the hotel. It tells the story of how Liyuan Walled Village was built in the shape of a Bagua with the help of Wang Yangming, who also named it. The local Hakka people here fought against mountain bandits together and promoted new policies. Wang Yangming once suppressed bandits here, so he left behind many deeds and stories. He once wrote: "It is easy to eliminate the bandits in the mountains, but difficult to eliminate the bandits in one's heart." So, he also spent time here educating the people. As a half-Hakka, my kid got a little interested after watching the performance and learned a bit more about Wang Yangming, which also paved the way for our visit to Yangming Xingu the next day. 4. Huangdaosheng Arcade Old Street There isn't much to eat near Liyuan Walled Village, so we wanted to go to their old street to take a look and try some local food. Huangdaosheng Arcade Old Street isn't long, just a small stretch. It looks pretty good when the lights are on at night, and it's not much different from the arcades in Chaoshan or Xiamen. There aren't many food shops, and they all had long lines. Since we had to go back to Liyuan Walled Village for the performance at 7:30 PM, we didn't have time to wait, so we just ate some Longnan Tangpi (rice noodles) at the shop by the entrance. It's a pity; there were still so many things I wanted to eat that I didn't get to! The next day, we set off from Lishu Xia Homestay in Liyuan Walled Village to Yangming Xingu. There's a lantern festival at Yangming Xingu for the Chinese New Year, which should be quite beautiful at night. We went quite early, and there was almost no one there. We had a lunch appointment in Ganzhou, so we toured this spot quite quickly. From the entrance to Yuxu Cave and then to Yangming Pavilion, we didn't take the path down the mountain but returned the way we came, taking a total of one hour. Yuxu Cave in Yangming Xingu is where Wang Yangming meditated twice. There are many cliff inscriptions inside, and you can pass through Yuxu Cave and climb all the way to the top. The mountain isn't high, and the climb to the top isn't too tiring. Along the way, there are quotes from Wang Yangming, which are quite thought-provoking. It was my first time hiking in Hanfu, and Hanfu is a perfect match for Dingnan and Longnan! It was also nice to tell my kid stories about Wang Yangming as a bit of popular science. Some guides say that climbing Yangming Pavilion in the evening to watch the sunset is a good choice. We climbed to the top and took a look; it would indeed be quite beautiful, but it didn't fit our schedule. I'll leave a little regret for next time~ I went back to Ganzhou for the Chinese New Year and wanted to see the walled villages, so I took a trip to Longnan and Dingnan before the holiday. 1. Dingnan Ancient City We set off early and arrived at Dingnan Ancient City after 10:00 AM. We searched for "Dingnan Ancient City," but Baidu Maps navigated us to an empty parking lot, probably on the outskirts of the ancient city. We weren't familiar with the area and there were no specific signs, so we re-navigated to the Ancient City Tourist Center and parked there. Parking at the tourist center was probably 10 yuan per entry. The ancient city is right across the street; just follow the slope to the end and you'll see the Yingyang Gate of the ancient city. The ancient city's Chinese New Year events didn't start until Feb 14. We went on Feb 13, but we could still see some NPCs, like Jinyiwei guards, private secretaries, and magistrates. The whole ancient city isn't very big, and there were almost no people before the holiday. We strolled through the streets, visited the God of Wealth Temple (which houses Lai Buyi, a famous ancient physiognomist from the local area), the City God Temple, and the County Government Office (with rooms for minor officials corresponding to the Six Ministries). We ate delicious pearl noodles and sweet potato wine, plus that round green cake—what was it called? Iron plate something? It was 1 yuan each, quite cheap! They say it's beautiful when the lights come on at night, and there's even a fish lantern parade—you can definitely imagine it! We didn't have enough time this trip, so we'll stay here for a night next time to see it. 2. Guanxi Walled Village It didn't take long to get from Dingnan Ancient City to Guanxi Walled Village. The entire scenic area is quite large. Upon entering, there's a pass and an observation deck where you can see the panoramic view. Then there's a stone maze, which is simply a favorite for kids! As for the walled villages, due to limited energy, we only saw Xichang Wei and Guanxi New Wei. [Sob] Actually, the whole attraction is a cluster of walled villages, containing six in total. Xichang Wei is an irregular old walled village and the ancestral home of the famous gentleman Xu Mingjun, while Guanxi New Wei was built by him. The entire square layout of the walled village is very orderly, and his children, grandchildren, and concubines all lived here. It really is a place of high walls and deep courtyards, airtight and enclosed. Penggao Wei and Tianxin Wei nearby were built by his brothers and son. The inheritance and lineage of a family are clearly visible. 3. Liyuan Walled Village We booked our homestay at Liyuan Walled Village, and the price before the holiday was great! There's an immersive performance at Liyuan Walled Village at night, which is free to watch if you stay at the hotel. It tells the story of how Liyuan Walled Village was built in the shape of a Bagua with the help of Wang Yangming, who also named it. The local Hakka people here fought against mountain bandits together and promoted new policies. Wang Yangming once suppressed bandits here, so he left behind many deeds and stories. He once wrote: "It is easy to eliminate the bandits in the mountains, but difficult to eliminate the bandits in one's heart." So, he also spent time here educating the people. As a half-Hakka, my kid got a little interested after watching the performance and learned a bit more about Wang Yangming, which also paved the way for our visit to Yangming Xingu the next day. 4. Huangdaosheng Arcade Old Street There isn't much to eat near Liyuan Walled Village, so we wanted to go to their old street to take a look and try some local food. Huangdaosheng Arcade Old Street isn't long, just a small stretch. It looks pretty good when the lights are on at night, and it's not much different from the arcades in Chaoshan or Xiamen. There aren't many food shops, and they all had long lines. Since we had to go back to Liyuan Walled Village for the performance at 7:30 PM, we didn't have time to wait, so we just ate some Longnan Tangpi (rice noodles) at the shop by the entrance. It's a pity; there were still so many things I wanted to eat that I didn't get to! The next day, we set off from Lishu Xia Homestay in Liyuan Walled Village to Yangming Xingu. There's a lantern festival at Yangming Xingu for the Chinese New Year, which should be quite beautiful at night. We went quite early, and there was almost no one there. We had a lunch appointment in Ganzhou, so we toured this spot quite quickly. From the entrance to Yuxu Cave and then to Yangming Pavilion, we didn't take the path down the mountain but returned the way we came, taking a total of one hour. Yuxu Cave in Yangming Xingu is where Wang Yangming meditated twice. There are many cliff inscriptions inside, and you can pass through Yuxu Cave and climb all the way to the top. The mountain isn't high, and the climb to the top isn't too tiring. Along the way, there are quotes from Wang Yangming, which are quite thought-provoking. It was my first time hiking in Hanfu, and Hanfu is a perfect match for Dingnan and Longnan! It was also nice to tell my kid stories about Wang Yangming as a bit of popular science. Some guides say that climbing Yangming Pavilion in the evening to watch the sunset is a good choice. We climbed to the top and took a look; it would indeed be quite beautiful, but it didn't fit our schedule. I'll leave a little regret for next time~

OMG! Ladies, hurry up! The fish lantern parade in Dingnan Hakka ancient city is absolutely amazing! 👏 💡 Here’s the key point: This is not an ordinary light show!! It’s a Hakka intangible cultural heritage fish lantern parade passed down from the Ming dynasty 🔥 It’s also the original inspiration for the viral “one night fish dragon dance” scene from KaiTui 3!! Seeing it in person will make you tremble with excitement 😱 📍 Parade details: Starts promptly at 7:30 PM every Saturday and on public holidays Lasts about 2 hours On weekdays, only the regular night view is available, no big parade! 🎬 Real experience: Hundreds of handmade fish lanterns flickering softly Warm glowing fish lanterns drifting through ancient alleys Like stars falling to earth ✨ Walking behind a little girl holding a fish lantern The photo atmosphere is instantly perfect! 📸 Must-visit photo spots: 1️⃣ Top of Yingyang Gate city tower 2️⃣ By Liantang Lake 3️⃣ Ancient alley near the county government office Every shot looks like a classic ancient-style masterpiece! ⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls: 1️⃣ Be sure to wear light-colored or traditional-style clothes 2️⃣ Remember to bring a jacket! It gets cold at night 3️⃣ Best to enter the park by 6:30 PM to secure a good spot 🎫 Practical info: Tickets are free! Free! Free! Take the high-speed train to Dingnan South Station, then a 15-minute taxi ride to the site~ The ancient city during the day is quite ordinary It’s recommended not to spend too much time exploring then Focus all your attention on the evening event!

01 Shigatse | Tibet In Shigatse in August, it's sunny but windy and cool during the day, and you'll need to wear fleece at night. I went straight to Mount Everest Base Camp. 🚄It's about a 6-hour private car ride from the city, and the road conditions are decent. However, an altitude of 5,200 meters is no joke, so take Rhodiola rosea and bring oxygen tanks beforehand. ⏰Arrived at Rongbuk Monastery at 4:30 PM. That's the best time to photograph Mount Everest. The clouds parted, revealing the entire snow-capped peak, and the wind was so strong my hat almost flew off. ⚠️Don't buy oxygen in the tent area; the price doubles. It's CNY 30 a bottle at pharmacies down the mountain, but they'll ask for CNY 80 here. The next day, I returned to the city and visited Tashilhunpo Monastery. The admission ticket is CNY 55. Walk along the kora path, and the white walls and red eaves look especially photogenic in the 3:00 PM light. The sound of lamas chanting drifted from behind the doors, creating a sense of unhurried tranquility. Shigatse is suitable for those who aren't afraid of altitude sickness and want to see real snow-capped mountains. Be cautious if traveling with seniors or children. 02 Guilin | Guangxi For Guilin, I don't recommend squeezing onto a Li River cruise. I suggest Xingping Ancient Town instead. 🚄Get off the high-speed train at Yangshuo Station, then take a 15-minute taxi ride to Xingping. Rent an electric bike for CNY 30 a day and ride along the river to the 20-yuan banknote scenic spot. At 5:30 PM at dusk, bamboo rafts paddle against the light, and the water surface sparkles like shattered gold. If you want a less crowded route, Reed Flute Cave has fewer people than Silver Cave. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, so entering in summer feels like natural air conditioning. A guide leads the entire tour, which takes 45 minutes, and the stalagmites look like coral forests under the lights. The rice paddies at Longji Terraces start to turn yellow in mid-to-late August, reaching their peak in late September. Visiting now, during the transition from green to yellow, offers a beautiful layered effect. ⚠️Don't buy bamboo rice at the scenic area entrance; it's CNY 15 a portion, and the grains are as hard as bullets. Small shops in town sell it for CNY 8 and even include pickled radishes. For the essence of the Li River, I recommend taking an electric bamboo raft from Yangdi to Nine Horse Fresco. It's CNY 60 per person, and the boatman will stop at two spots for you to photograph the mountain reflections. 03 Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan The heat in Xishuangbanna is muggy, but in late August–September, the tail end of the rainy season often brings sudden evening showers that cleanse the air. I first went to the Dai Ethnic Garden. The admission ticket is CNY 45. Don't just watch the performances; walk further in, and you'll find old villages with banana bunches hanging under bamboo houses. An elderly woman sells hot glutinous rice cakes for CNY 3 each, wrapped in crushed peanuts, which are more fragrant than the CNY 10 ones at the scenic area entrance. You must go early to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. ⏰Enter right when it opens at 8:30 AM. The East District's rainforest hiking trail takes 2 hours, and the Skywalk through the trees sways gently, with strangler figs and aerial roots beneath your feet. Leave as soon as the sun gets too strong around noon. I found the Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park to be just average; the peacock release is a gimmick, and it's too crowded. It's better to sit by the giant water lily pond in the botanical garden for half an hour. 🚄A taxi from the city to the botanical garden takes about 40 minutes and costs around CNY 120. Carpooling is more economical. 04 Handan | Hebei Handan is surprisingly off the beaten path, but Guangfu Ancient City is worth an overnight stay. The ancient city walls encircle the town. After 6:00 PM, tourists disperse, the lights come on, and the moat's reflection is three times more beautiful than during the day. I stayed in a guesthouse inside the ancient city for CNY 150 a night. Yang Luchan's Former Residence, the old home of the Tai Chi master, was right outside. The admission ticket is CNY 20. There's an old locust tree in the courtyard. Sit under its shade for a while, and the wind blowing through the alleys carries a hint of reed leaves. The next day, I went to Nüwa Palace in Shexian, a 1-hour drive away. The admission ticket is CNY 60. ⚠️Don't take the cable car. It's a 40-minute climb, and along the way, you'll find grottoes and cliff carvings that are more interesting than the mountaintop. The Nüwa Pavilion at the summit is a suspended structure, a three-story wooden building held by iron cables to the mountain, with a cliff directly below. Those with a fear of heights should avoid looking down. It's cool in the mountains in August, about 5 or 6 degrees Celsius lower than Handan city. 05 Alxa League | Inner Mongolia Many people only know about Alxa's Populus euphratica forests in autumn, but if you go in early September, the leaves have just started to turn yellow at the tips, and there are fewer people, making for cleaner photos. The Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Tourist Area admission ticket is CNY 240. It's expensive, but worth it for the section from Erdaoqiao to Sidaoqiao, where the Populus euphratica trees reflect in the water. At 8:00 AM, it's so quiet you can hear camels chewing grass. ⚠️The shuttle buses in the scenic area have long queues. I recommend catching the first bus; after 9:00 AM, it slows down once tour groups arrive. Badain Jaran Desert is wilder. An off-road vehicle into the desert costs CNY 600 per person. The driver will take you plunging down sand dunes like a roller coaster ride, so take motion sickness medication beforehand if needed. Stay overnight in a guesthouse in the desert; the conditions are basic, but the starry sky is incredible. At 2:00 AM, the Milky Way stretches overhead, and the only sound in the entire desert is the wind. ⏰Mid-to-late September has less wind and sand, making it the most comfortable time. 06 Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu I visited Linxia in the summer, and the biggest surprise was Liujiaxia. The breeze by the reservoir was several degrees cooler than in the city. 🚄Take the high-speed train from Lanzhou to Linxia Station, then a 30-minute taxi ride to the reservoir area. Rent an electric bike and ride along the lake. The water is an unreal blue-green, like a miniature Qinghai Lake. Bingling Temple Grottoes are on the opposite bank of the reservoir. Take a speedboat for CNY 50 one way; it's a 30-minute boat ride, with Danxia landforms, red earth canyons, and the Yellow River water on both sides. The grottoes admission ticket is CNY 50. The Great Buddha is 27 meters tall. Standing beneath it and looking up makes your neck ache but is awe-inspiring. ⚠️The light hits the grottoes obliquely after 3:00 PM, which is more beautiful than in the morning, so don't come too early. In Linxia city, eat hand-grabbed lamb at a Dongxiang restaurant. It's CNY 60 per jin, served with garlic and spiced salt. It's fatty but not greasy, much better than the chain restaurants in Lanzhou's night markets. 07 Ganzhou | Jiangxi I went to Ganzhou for Mount Sanbai, and it's truly effective for escaping the summer heat. 🚄Take the high-speed train to Dingnan Station, then a 40-minute taxi ride into the scenic area. The admission ticket + cable car is CNY 140. After taking the cable car up, walk along the plank road. The section along the waterfalls is the coolest, with water mist on your face, more comfortable than air conditioning. There's a glass bridge on the mountain; it's not long, but there's a deep abyss below, and it sways in strong winds, so those with a fear of heights should avoid it. Shicheng is more off the beaten path, located in northern Ganzhou. It's an ancient Hakka village, and the admission ticket is CNY 30. The old houses in the village are well-preserved, and the wooden carvings on the windows haven't been "tourist-ified." ⏰At 5:00 PM at the pond entrance of the village, the white walls and gray tiles reflect in the water, and ducks create ripples, which is more authentic than any scenic area promotional video. Ganzhou is hot in August, but Shicheng Ancient Village has many shaded areas, so a fan is enough. 08 Shangqiu | Henan The most surprising place in Shangqiu for me was Mount Mangdang, an underrated spot. 🚄Take the high-speed train to Yongcheng North Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride to the scenic area. The combined ticket is CNY 100, including three tomb chambers. The Tomb of King Xiao of Liang is the largest, with an underground palace built like a maze. The side chambers, kitchens, and toilets carved into the stone walls show how imaginative people were two thousand years ago. Don't miss the Liu Bang Snake-Slaying Stele on the back mountain of the scenic area. Around 4:30 PM at dusk, the sunlight shines obliquely on the stele, and if you look at the light and shadow long enough, it resembles a human silhouette. Locals say it's Liu Bang's image, believe it or not. ⚠️The tomb chambers are cool, so even in summer, you'll need a jacket due to the large temperature difference. The mountain isn't high, and the steps are gentle, suitable for seniors and children. The entire tour takes 2 hours. Visit these 8 places at the tail end of summer vacation, and you'll find half the crowds and double the experience. My personal favorites are Shigatse and Alxa; one offers snow-capped mountains, the other a starry sky, both providing a vastness that cities can't. Where have you been recently? Share in the comments to give friends traveling next month some ideas.

Highly recommended by Start Reasoning Season 3! The viral ancient-style detective filming location is right in Dingnan old town, Jiangxi — Dingnan Hakka ancient city! Not a newly built fake ancient town, no over-commercialization! An authentic Ming dynasty city over a thousand years old, free admission all day. The perfect weekend getaway near Guangdong and Ganzhou! 🌟 Why you must visit the Start Reasoning filming location? The entire ancient city is the exact filming site for the show! The ancient-style detective scenes, chase alleys, county government interrogations, and city tower night views are all real locations, no studio sets! Walking through the alleys feels like stepping right into the Start Reasoning story. Every frame matches the show’s scenes! 📸 [Start Reasoning Season 3 camera angles | matched one by one!] 1. Yingyang Gate (must-check-in ‼️ the ultimate matching city tower) The starting point for the cast gathering and night fish lantern parade! Tall Ming dynasty city tower, blue-gray walls, majestic ancient style by day, stunningly lit at night. Stars’ high-rise views and group photos in the show all took place here! 2. Dingnan county government (the main detective scene “Ancient Dehao Private” in the show) The core reasoning location for the whole season! The main hall, side rooms, interrogation room, and backyard courtyard are all preserved exactly! Standing here fully immerses you in the ancient detective story. Perfect for photos and experiencing the ancient county government atmosphere. You can book live-action mystery games that authentically recreate the Start Reasoning detective experience! 3. East Gate ancient street | celebrity horse-riding alley The long ancient alley where Liu Yuning, Zhang Linghe, and Zhou Keyu rode horses on patrol! Bluestone paths, old wooden shops, connected ancient lanterns, few people and very clean. Every photo looks like an ancient-style masterpiece. 4. Xueqian Street | Zhang Linghe’s comic wall A super popular gentle spot in the ancient city, with light-colored ancient-style walls and eaves. Clean and soothing, a favorite check-in for many influencers! 5. Ancient city alleys, old wells, and old courtyards Many chase scenes and evidence-searching alleys in the show are all inside the ancient city. Winding and atmospheric. 🌃 Night view | legendary Chinese-style romance (key point!) Be sure to come at night! The daytime is ordinary, but the night is magical! At dusk, lanterns light up the whole city, warm lights fill the ancient streets, and the ancient atmosphere is fully immersive. Weekend regular events: ✅ One night of fish and dragon dance · fish lantern parade (famous Start Reasoning scene) ✅ Dingnan Rui lion intangible cultural heritage performance ✅ Ancient-style lantern streets and water light shows Strolling the ancient city at night is gentle and soothing, completely non-commercial and peaceful! 📍 Complete tour route (no backtracking) Ancient city entrance → Yingyang Gate city tower check-in → county government detective hall → East Gate ancient street → Xueqian influencer wall → old well and alleys stroll → dusk light show + fish lantern parade → snack street return 🍜 Must-try authentic Hakka food in Dingnan All affordable local flavors, no overcharging! ✔️ Dingnan sour wine duck (sour and spicy, local specialty) ✔️ Hakka gray water rice cake, mugwort rice cake ✔️ Dingnan toasted rice cake (freshly baked and crispy) ✔️ Goose fish dumplings, handmade rice cakes Affordable and delicious, you can eat your fill for just a few dollars! 🚗 Transportation & practical tips ▪️ Navigation: Dingnan Hakka ancient city (old town) ▪️ Admission: free all day ▪️ Suggested visit duration: 3–4 hours, recommended to enter at 4 PM to enjoy the night view ▪️ Transport: high-speed rail to [Dingnan South Station], 15-minute taxi ride to the site ▪️ Parking: free or low-cost parking at the ancient city, very convenient 💡 Tips to avoid pitfalls 1. The night view is 10 times more beautiful than the day! Don’t leave early 2. Fish lantern parade only on weekends; lights are on weekdays but no performance 3. Wear light-colored, modern Chinese-style clothes for great photos 4. The ancient city is quiet and uncrowded, perfect for relaxing, photography, and slow travel ✅ Summary A truly free, thousand-year-old Ming dynasty city Exclusive ancient-style detective site from Start Reasoning Season 3 Few crowds, beautiful scenery, niche, and non-commercial! The top weekend trip choice near Guangdong and Ganzhou, with an unbeatable atmosphere!

Help! After watching "Let's Start Deducing 3," I'm completely hooked on Dingnan Hakka Ancient Town! This hidden gem, made famous by the show, is absolutely amazing! Free admission, less crowded, and pristine – it's a paradise for lovers of ancient Chinese style! 🏯 Must-Visit Photo Spots: 1️⃣ Yingyang Gate Tower: The central scene where the entire cast of the show gathered! The evening lighting is absolutely breathtaking 😭 The night view from the tower is divine! 2️⃣ Old County Government Office: A must-visit for mystery fans! The set is perfectly recreated from the show, immersive and fun! You can even experience a real-life murder mystery game and indulge your detective fantasies! 3️⃣ Dongmen Ancient Street: The same long alleyway where celebrities ride horses! Red lanterns and bluestone slabs make every shot a masterpiece of ancient Chinese style 📸 Best of all, no crowds or queues! 🌙 Nighttime exploration is the ultimate experience! By day, it's a tranquil ancient city with a thousand-year history; by night, it transforms into a stunningly beautiful fantasy world with lanterns lit up! ✨ On weekends, there are also fish lantern parades and lion dance performances, a 1:1 recreation of romantic scenes from variety shows! 🍢Foodie Guide: ✅Sour Wine Duck (Sour and spicy, incredibly appetizing!) ✅Hakka Hot Rice Noodles (Freshly baked, crispy and addictive!) ✅Ash Water Rice Cake (A must-try for those who love chewy textures!) 🏡Homestay Recommendation: This time, I stayed at 【Ai Guqin Academy Homestay】in the ancient city, right next to the City God Temple! The manager was super attentive and helped plan the route. The rooms were spacious, clean, and even had UV disinfection, so I slept very soundly 😪 📍Useful Information: Address: X343, Dingnan County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province Admission: Free! The joy of getting something for free is something no one understands! Transportation: 15-minute taxi ride from Dingnan South Station (high-speed rail). Recommendation: Arrive around 4 PM to catch the most beautiful night view. Compared to crowded trendy ancient towns, this place is truly quiet and therapeutic ❤ For those from Guangdong/Jiangxi and surrounding areas, a weekend getaway here is absolutely fantastic!

Advice for everyone! You must visit Dingnan Hakka ancient city at night! During the day, it’s just an ordinary ancient street, but at night, the fish lantern parade transforms it into a top-tier Chinese romantic scene! The iconic scene from the original filming of "Start Reasoning Season 3" is this "one night fish and dragon dance." Seeing it in person will leave you speechless with awe 😭 🌟 Key highlight: intangible cultural heritage fish lantern parade (the main event) This is not an ordinary light show! It’s a Ming Dynasty–inherited Hakka intangible cultural heritage fish lantern parade and the soul of the entire ancient city’s night view. It’s the original inspiration for the viral scene in "Start Reasoning"! ✅ Performance time (must remember! Don’t miss it) Only on Saturday nights and public holidays! The event starts promptly at 7:30 PM and lasts nearly 2 hours. On weekdays, there’s only the night view, no fish lantern parade! ✅ Full nighttime schedule with a strong sense of ceremony 7. 30 PM: Yingyang Gate opens the city, intangible heritage auspicious lion dance opening performance Then a brief fireworks display instantly sets the mood 8. 00 PM: 100 fish lanterns gather and officially start the parade The procession slowly moves through the entire Ming Dynasty ancient street for a fully immersive night tour ✅ Parade route (fully replicates the scene from "Start Reasoning") Yingyang Gate square → City God Temple → God of Wealth Temple → Wenchang ancient well → Old county government office → Liantang Lake The whole ancient alley is filled with warm glowing fish lanterns flowing like a river of stars falling into the ancient city ✨ ✅ The real experience is incredibly soothing Hundreds of handmade fish lanterns flicker and glow, with koi lanterns of all sizes layered and shimmering, gentle and dreamlike. Walking beside the parade feels like stepping into the ancient-style detective night scene from "Start Reasoning," It’s also the real-life version of the ancient poem’s east wind releasing thousands of flowers at night, one night fish and dragon dance! This is not a noisy, flashy internet-famous light show. It’s a gentle, quiet, deeply traditional intangible cultural heritage night tour that captivates both adults and children. ✅ Immersive experience (highly recommended) You can rent a small fish lantern on site and walk with the parade Carry a glowing fish lantern yourself through the cobblestone alleys The atmosphere doubles, perfect for photos, truly unique! ✅ Meaning of the fish lantern A traditional Hakka blessing ritual. The parade symbolizes wishes for safety, wealth, romance, academic success, and good fortune. Follow the fish lanterns for a full dose of good luck! 📸 Exclusive stunning photo spots for fish lanterns 1. High up on Yingyang Gate tower: overhead shot of the entire fish lantern dragon, a spectacular view 2. By Liantang Lake: fish lantern light reflections on the water, a real-life version of Big Fish & Begonia 3. Narrow alley by the county government office: fish lanterns weaving through the alley, a deeply atmospheric ancient-style scene 🌃 Brief mention of daytime (no need to focus) During the day, it’s just typical Hakka ancient architecture: Yingyang Gate, old county government office, East Gate ancient street, popular wall near the school Few people and peaceful, good for simple photos. Don’t spend too much time here—save your energy for the night view! 🎫 Travel tips ▪️ Tickets: free entry ▪️ Best arrival time: 6:30 PM, just in time for nightfall and lights ▪️ Transportation: 15-minute taxi from Dingnan South high-speed rail station ▪️ Recommended visit: just the night view is enough, no need to come early 💡 Must-know tips 1. Fish lantern parade only on Saturdays and public holidays! No parade on weekdays! 2. Wear light-colored, traditional-style clothes for the best match with the fish lantern night view 3. It gets chilly at night, remember to bring a light jacket

Who would have thought! After attending my best friend's wedding in Heyuan, I just grabbed my luggage and headed straight to Jiangxi without any hardcore planning. We took it slow for three days with the kids, and the experience was amazing✨ 🌟 Half-day food and stroll in Dingnan The old town isn’t big but has so much charm—don’t miss the roadside "green glutinous rice cake" 👩‍🍳 made fresh by an auntie, only 5 yuan for a big portion! Sticky and fragrant with mugwort, my kid ate three in a row 🥰 No disappointments at all! 🌠 Surprise night at Qili ancient town Stayed in a unique guesthouse right in the old town. Arrived at 9 PM just in time for the iron flower show 🔥 Watching molten iron at 1600°C explode into golden meteor showers even mesmerized my 5-year-old! This intangible cultural heritage show rivals any Disney fireworks display~ 🏯 Slow moments in Ganzhou old city The next day, we took the high-speed train to Ganzhou (just 1 hour, super convenient): · Walked on the ancient floating bridge and tried the 400-year-old wooden raft 🛶, so fun and relaxing · Watched the sunset dye the Song city wall orange 🌇 in the evening · Stayed in a Chinese courtyard guesthouse by the city wall 🏡 didn’t even set an alarm clock 💫 Bonus time Originally wanted to book a Hanfu costume shoot at Song city, but all slots were full! So we decided to extend our stay by one night and turned that "regret" into an unexpectedly relaxing vacation~ (ps: sisters planning a Hanfu shoot, book at least 3 days in advance) 🚗 Travel tips: High-speed trains from Nanchang/Shenzhen take 2 hours direct. Driving from Guangzhou takes 4 hours. For sisters traveling with kids who don’t want to rush, Ganzhou’s slow pace is truly timeless 💕 🏷️ Image tags: rainy day | ancient architecture | intangible cultural heritage show | family time | relaxing vacation

This is neither Fenghuang nor Lijiang! Ganzhou, Jiangxi, hides a little-known Ming dynasty Hakka ancient city 🏯 just a 3-hour drive from Guangzhou and Shenzhen. It’s the new favorite weekend getaway~ 🌈 Highlights of the ancient city: ✨ Over 450 years of history as a Ming dynasty county town ✨ Authentic Hakka architecture ✨ Atmosphere-filled fish lantern night tour ✨ Rich intangible cultural heritage experiences 📸 Must-visit spots revealed: Yingyangmen city gate for great photos 📷 A popular filming location! Shoot the city wall by day and start the fish lantern parade here at night. Couples taking photos under the gate are a perfect match 💑 Ancient county yamen time travel tour 🏯 An immersive experience of a Ming dynasty court trial! On weekends, watch the county magistrate’s trial performance. Perfect for bringing kids to learn something new 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Treasure hunt in nine streets and five alleys 🏮 Try intangible cultural heritage fish lantern DIY and lacquer fan making. At night, carry your own fish lantern for the night tour, creating an amazing atmosphere! The alleys also hide red wall photo spots and the ancient Wenchang well~ 🎆 Grand finale: fish lantern night tour! (Open only on weekends and holidays) As night falls, hundreds of fish lanterns parade through the streets, accompanied by bonfires and fireworks. It’s breathtaking! 💥 Watch the fish lantern parade with your loved one for an unforgettable romantic experience~ 🍜 Hakka food list: ✔️ Iron spoon rice cake ✔️ Gray water rice cake ✔️ Sour wine duck ✔️ Tofu pudding ✔️ Water soup skin A highly cost-effective snack street for strolling and tasting delicious food 😋 🚶‍♀️ Recommended route: Enter through Yingyangmen → Visit ancient county yamen → Stroll along Xueqian ancient street → Try intangible cultural heritage crafts → Taste Hakka food → Wait for the fish lantern night tour 💡 Practical tips: 📍 Location: Laocheng Town, Dingnan County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 🚗 Transportation: · Self-drive: 2 km from Laocheng exit on the Gan-Yue Expressway · High-speed rail: 15-minute taxi from Dingnan South Station 🎫 Admission: Free entry! Craft experiences are charged separately ⚠️ Note: Fish lantern parade is only available on weekends and holidays! This place is just right in terms of commercialization, preserving the Hakka ancient charm while offering an amazing night experience. A hidden treasure for trips around Guangdong and Jiangxi! Save it and bring someone special~💕

January 25, 2026 Gannan Hakka Walled Villages: Characteristic Hakka residential architecture in southern Jiangxi Province, China, integrating living, worship, and defense functions, these villages are hailed as "Oriental Ancient Roman Castles" and "Living Fossils of Han and Jin Dynasty Fortified Villages." They are mainly concentrated in southern Jiangxi, including Longnan, Dingnan, Quannan, Anyuan, and Xunwu counties and cities, with over 600 existing. Longnan City has the highest concentration, with 376 villages (accounting for over 70% of southern Jiangxi), and was awarded the title of "Hometown of Chinese Walled Villages" in 2007. Originally built during the Tang and Song Dynasties and flourishing in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, they originated from the southward migration of Han Chinese from the Central Plains, built to defend against war and bandits, and are an important carrier of Hakka culture. Guanxi Walled Village Cluster: An outstanding representative of Gannan Hakka walled villages, a national-level cultural relic protection unit, renowned for its "nine wells and eighteen halls" layout. It is hailed as "Oriental Ancient Roman Castles" and "Forbidden City Scattered Among the People." This group of walled villages was built by the Xu family over several generations during the Ming and Qing dynasties. More than 40 walled villages remain, showcasing a rich variety of styles and fully demonstrating the evolution of traditional Hakka villages in southern Jiangxi from villages and walled villages to walled villages. Its core attraction is Guanxi Xinwei, a national key cultural relics protection unit and a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. Guanxi Xinwei is the most dazzling jewel in the Guanxi walled village complex. Construction began in 1798 (the third year of the Jiaqing reign) by Xu Mingjun (known as "Xu Laosi"), a prominent local figure in the mid-Qing dynasty, and was completed in 1827 (the seventh year of the Daoguang reign), taking nearly 30 years. The walled village is square, covering an area of ​​7,426 square meters, with a building area of ​​11,477 square meters. Its overall structure is a large "回" (hui) shape, with a typical layout of 9 buildings and 18 halls, totaling 124 rooms. It is fully functional, integrating family, ancestral hall, and fortress into one. The walls, constructed of rammed earth, are exceptionally sturdy, with towering watchtowers at each of the four corners. The walls are riddled with gun emplacements and volley fire holes, forming a robust defensive system. To prevent banditry, anti-corrosion piles were embedded in the foundation, and the roof was secured with highly toxic triangular iron nails. Fire-fighting water inlets and barbed wire mesh in the courtyard were also included. The enclosed house is exquisitely decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, showcasing superb architectural artistry. Its interior spaces are clearly stratified, featuring a school and a library, reflecting the Hakka people's tradition of valuing education. The enclosed house also retains "Xiaohuazhou," built in the Suzhou style, which served as the residence of the owner's concubines, showcasing diverse cultural elements. Xichangwei: The ancestral enclosed house of the Xu family, opposite Guanxi Xinwei, commonly known as "Old Enclosed House." Tianxinwei: Built by Xu Mingjun's uncles. Penggaowei: Built by Xu Mingjun's collateral relatives. Fuhewei: Built by Xu Shaoxi, the 16th generation of the Xu family. Yanyiwei: The tallest walled village (14.3 meters), with the strongest defensive capabilities. Others: Wushiwei, Liyuanwei… listed as a national intangible cultural heritage (Gannan Hakka walled village construction techniques), some buildings (such as Guanxi Xinwei) are on the tentative list of World Cultural Heritage sites. January 25, 2026 Gannan Hakka Walled Villages: Characteristic Hakka residential architecture in southern Jiangxi Province, China. Integrating residential, sacrificial, and defensive functions, they are hailed as "Oriental Ancient Roman Castles" and "Living Fossils of Han and Jin Dynasty Fortified Villages." They are mainly concentrated in southern Jiangxi, including Longnan, Dingnan, Quannan, Anyuan, and Xunwu counties and cities, with over 600 existing. Longnan City has the highest concentration, with 376 (accounting for over 70% of southern Jiangxi), and was awarded the title of "Hometown of Chinese Walled Villages" in 2007. Originally built during the Tang and Song dynasties and flourishing during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Guanxi Hakka walled villages originated from the southward migration of Han Chinese from the Central Plains, constructed to defend against war and bandits. They are an important carrier of Hakka culture. The Guanxi Walled Villages are outstanding representatives of Hakka walled villages in southern Jiangxi, a national-level cultural relic protection unit, renowned for their "nine wells and eighteen halls" layout. They are hailed as "the ancient Roman castle of the East" and "the Forbidden City scattered among the people." Built by the Xu family over several generations during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the complex currently contains over 40 walled villages of various types, comprehensively showcasing the evolution of traditional Hakka villages in southern Jiangxi from villages and walled villages to walled villages. Its core attraction is the Guanxi New Walled Village, a national key cultural relic protection unit and a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. Guanxi Xinwei is the most dazzling jewel among the Guanxi walled villages. Construction began in 1798 (the third year of the Jiaqing reign) by Xu Mingjun (known as "Old Fourth Xu"), a prominent local figure in the mid-Qing Dynasty, and was completed in 1827 (the seventh year of the Daoguang reign), taking nearly 30 years. The walled village is square, covering an area of ​​7,426 square meters, with a building area of ​​11,477 square meters. Its overall structure is a massive "回" (hui) shape, featuring a typical layout of 9 buildings and 18 halls, totaling 124 rooms. It is fully functional, integrating family, ancestral hall, and fortress functions. The walls are constructed of rammed earth, making them exceptionally sturdy. Towering watchtowers are located at the four corners, and the walls are riddled with gun emplacements and loopholes, forming a robust defensive system. To prevent banditry, anti-corrosion piles were buried in the foundation, and the roofs were secured with highly toxic triangular iron nails. Fire-fighting water inlets and barbed wire fences were also included. The enclosed houses are exquisitely decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, showcasing superb architectural art. Their interior spaces are clearly stratified, featuring a school and a library, reflecting the Hakka people's tradition of valuing education. The enclosed houses also retain "Xiaohuazhou," built in the Suzhou style, which was the residence of the master's concubines, showcasing diverse cultural elements. Xichangwei: The ancestral enclosed house of the Xu family, opposite Guanxi Xinwei, commonly known as "Laowei" (Old Enclosed House). Tianxinwei: Built by Xu Mingjun's uncles. Penggaowei: Built by Xu Mingjun's collateral relatives. Fuhewei: Built by Xu Shaoxi, the sixteenth generation of the Xu family. Yanyiwei: The tallest enclosed house (14.3 meters), with the strongest defensive capabilities. Others: Wushiwei, Liyuanwei… listed as a national intangible cultural heritage (Gannan Hakka Enclosed House Construction Techniques), some buildings (such as Guanxi Xinwei) are on the tentative list of World Cultural Heritage sites.

"Though far from home, the place still feels like home; after a long time, a foreign land becomes hometown," a Hakka folk song expresses deep homesickness~🧡 This New Year's Day, come with to Dingnan, a stunning Hakka town in Jiangxi. Spend two days and one night enjoying the lively fish lantern parade and the poetic beauty of Longgui Lake, plus savor authentic Hakka cuisine! 👏 📍【Destination Overview】 Dingnan is the "Southern Gateway" ancient city of Jiangxi, with a history of over 450 years. The fish lantern parade and fireworks show during New Year's are must-see events! The best time to visit is from December to March, so now is perfect to catch the liveliest season~✨ 🚄【Transportation Guide】 ✅ High-speed Rail: Only 1.5 hours direct from Guangzhou East/Shenzhen North to Dingnan Station, then a 15-minute taxi to the ancient city. From Ganzhou West Station, 40 minutes to Dingnan South Station, then transfer to Bus No. 9 directly. ✅ Self-driving: Navigate to "Hakka Ancient City," accessible via Gan-Yue Expressway/Ning-Ding Expressway. Parking is very convenient! Free parking for up to 1 hour nearby 🆓 🌟【Must-Visit Attractions】 1. Hakka Ancient City 📍 Address: Industrial Avenue, Dingnan County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province ⏰ Event Time: 12.31-1.2 ✅ Recommended Activities: · Daytime ancient-style photoshoot📸: Blue bricks and black tiles make great photo backdrops · 7:30 PM Fish Lantern Parade🏮: Hundreds of fish lanterns weaving through ancient alleys, accompanied by iron flower and lion dance performances, full of festive vibes! · Midnight Fireworks Show🎆: Recommended to secure a spot early on the arch bridge for the best photos 2. Longgui Lake 📍 Address: Zhanqian Avenue, Dingnan County ⏰ Light Show Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM ✨ Highlights: Stunning lake view next to the high-speed rail station, water screen movie + light show is breathtaking! You can also capture the magical scene of the high-speed train passing over the lake 🚄🌊 🥢【Food & Accommodation】 🍽️ Must-Try List: ❶ Sour Wine Duck: Dingnan’s signature dish! Sour and appetizing, a must-order! ❷ Huishui Rice Cake / Iron Spoon Rice Cake: Special Hakka snacks ❸ Goose Fish Dumplings: Hidden delicacy in the ancient city 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: ▫️ Aiguqin Academy Homestay (inside Hakka Ancient City) Detached courtyard with great ambiance, immersive experience guaranteed! ▫️ Cidihua Kai · Bula Hotel Modern and comfortable, within walking distance to the ancient city performances 💡【Tips】 1. The fish lantern parade is very crowded; it’s recommended to arrive half an hour early to secure a spot. 2. Taxis are hard to get on New Year's Day, remember to book in advance 🚗 3. Hakka cuisine tends to be sour and spicy; if you don’t eat spicy food, inform the restaurant in advance.

Escaping the crowds of Ding'an Ancient City and heading to the southern mountains, you'll find the ancient Longmenling Market hidden deep among volcanic rocks and lychee forests. Century-old stone alleys crisscross, and the roots of ancient banyan trees twist and intertwine. The market only comes alive in the afternoon when local farmers set out their freshly picked produce and handmade snacks. There is no need for a strict itinerary; simply wander through the ancient alleys. You might stumble upon a stall selling steaming Ding'an rice noodle soup or a tender, savory black pork zongzi. When the mood strikes, take a stroll down to the streams at the foot of the ridge to take in the pristine beauty of the volcanic valley. Most people tend to cram their itineraries when planning a trip, strictly adhering to a schedule and feeling anxious the moment plans go awry. Yet, the most captivating travel surprises often occur outside the itinerary. There is no need to meticulously calculate every detail or force everything to unfold exactly as planned. Time in this ancient market never rushes its visitors, allowing you to linger and wander freely wherever your heart leads. Sitting beneath the ancient banyan tree, quietly watching the locals go about their day, you can cast aside the constraints of the clock and embrace every unexpected encounter. As twilight blankets the volcanic ridge, it is time to embark on the journey home. May every future journey be filled with less rigid planning and more spontaneous, unhurried wandering. Let us brew new tea on a freshly lit fire, and enjoy poetry and wine while we are in our prime.

Don't always focus on digging in the sand by the sea; you'll either get sunburned or be squeezed out by the crowds. The real summer vacation gems are half in cool mountain valleys and forests, and half in old towns full of local life. There are ancient towns directly accessible by high-speed rail in 2 hours, and hidden Tibetan areas only reachable by car, with costs ranging from hundreds to thousands. Making travel with kids easy isn't just about where you go, but about choosing a route where adults aren't tired and kids can have fun. 1️⃣ Huzhou | Zhejiang During summer vacation, Nanxun Ancient Town is much quieter than Wuzhen. Go to Baijianlou in the morning; the flagstone paths, still glistening from last night's rain, have almost no tourists. ⏰ It's best to arrive before 8:30 AM, when the sunlight slants through the window lattices, white walls reflect on the river, and kids can squat by the bridge to watch boatwomen row. You don't need to buy a combo ticket; Baijianlou and Dongdajie are free. In the evening, head to Xijie, where an old woman sells freshly steamed Ding Sheng cakes, a sweet blend of glutinous rice and osmanthus, perfect for eating on the go. ⚠️ Don't enter the main scenic area at noon; the flagstone paths are exposed to the sun, and kids will want to be carried after a few steps. Check the boat tickets on the Ancient Town official account. The sculling boat ride is most comfortable in the evening, with a cool breeze and the reflections of red lanterns rippling on both banks. 2️⃣ Haikou | Hainan Summer in Haikou is all about "cool indoors, outdoor sprints in the evening." ⏰ Don't go outdoors before 4:00 PM. Head straight into the "Haikou Nanyang Arcade Old Street Cultural Exhibition Hall" in the Qilou Old Street, where kids can look at old photos and models, and adults can enjoy the air conditioning. After 4:00 PM, step out to Shuixiangkou Spicy Soup Rice; the pork offal soup has a strong peppery flavor, served with a bowl of rice, satisfying for both adults and kids. Take a taxi directly to the Volcano Park. ⚠️ Only the core area is most photogenic; the volcanic cone is too steep, so be cautious with small children. Detour to the Fengluling Lava Tunnel, where the ground isn't slippery, and kids can play by crawling through the caves. In the evening, go to the lawn in front of the Cloud Cave Library; the sea breeze is strong, and you can watch the sunset over the horizon. 3️⃣ Ganzhou | Jiangxi The core of Ganzhou is in Shicheng and Sanbaishan; you just need to choose between them. For first-time visitors, Shicheng is recommended. ⏰ Arrive in Shicheng before 9:00 AM, when the morning mist hasn't fully dispersed, and a cool breeze blows under the century-old camphor trees. Kids can walk barefoot on the mossy flagstones. The scenic area isn't large; you can explore it in 2 hours, then come out for a bowl of Gannan beef soup, known for its clear broth and tender meat. ⚠️ Sanbaishan is more suitable for families traveling by car, but during summer vacation, the cable car queue takes at least an hour. It's better to take the Dongfeng Lake boat tour route, cruising through the canyon by boat, which is cool and less tiring. If staying overnight, I recommend the Hakka Tulou homestays in Dingnan County; the rammed earth walls are warm in winter and cool in summer, and you can chill watermelons in the courtyard well. 4️⃣ Shaoyang | Hunan Langshan is an underrated summer retreat in Hunan. ⏰ It starts getting hot at the foot of the mountain by 8:00 AM, but Tianyi Alley and Laojiao Peak have shade throughout, and you can feel the mountain stream's moisture while climbing. I recommend choosing Bajiaozhai directly; it takes about 45 minutes to climb up, and the wind at the summit is strong enough to dry your sweat, making kids feel like they're on a "mountain elevator." ⚠️ Don't walk the entire route; the steps from Bajiaozhai to Qunluo Guantian are too steep. It's faster to return the way you came with kids. Have farm-style dishes in Huangbei Village at noon, such as blood duck and fern cakes; the prices are incredibly reasonable, with a whole table costing just over 100 yuan. In the evening, drive to the Zijiang River; the water is shallow and the banks are flat, allowing kids to wade and collect stones. 5️⃣ Kaifeng | Henan Kaifeng is the "liveliest" of the ancient capitals; Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is a replica, while Iron Pagoda Park is truly ancient. ⏰ Head to Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden first in the morning. Grab a performance schedule at the entrance; "Yue Fei's Spear Duel with Little Liang Wang" is performed on the water stage, captivating kids. ⚠️ Don't eat lunch on the main street; it's expensive and the taste is mediocre. Exit the park to Qishengjiao and have a bowl of Huasan donkey meat soup. In the afternoon, visit Iron Pagoda Park; you can touch the Song Dynasty glazed brick pagoda, and kids can count many Buddha statues by running around it. Inside Daxiangguo Temple, to the right of the entrance, there's a Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue; kids will be curious to count how many arms it has. For dinner, go to Xisi Night Market; the almond tea and stir-fried cold noodles have short queues and authentic flavors. 6️⃣ Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu Gannan is most comfortable in summer, with temperatures in the low 20s Celsius, no air conditioning needed. ⏰ First stop is Zhagana, but don't follow the crowds to the viewing platform. Instead, take the wooden boardwalk from Dongwa Village up the mountain; in about 10 minutes, you'll find a meadow full of wildflowers where kids can roll around. In the afternoon, go to Langmusi Town; the Bailongjiang Canyon at the entrance of Gerdie Monastery is the coolest spot, with water so icy it numbs your toes, and kids can wade for half an hour. ⚠️ The Chibi Yougu in Yeliguan Tourist Area offers natural shade, but the round-trip hike is nearly 2 hours. It's recommended to turn back after the second prayer wheel. In the evening, head to Gahai Lake; there are many water birds, so take the kids to sit quietly by the lake and watch the birds return to their nests. The temperature difference between day and night on the plateau is significant, so bring a jacket and hat. 7️⃣ Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Sichuan Garze in summer is the ultimate summer retreat, but don't be too ambitious. For first-time visitors, head straight to Xinduqiao as your base camp. ⏰ Drive from Xinduqiao to Mugecuo in the morning; remember to leave early and arrive before 10:00 AM, as parking is easy to find at the scenic area entrance. The water of Mugecuo's Qisehai (Seven-Color Lake) reflects gradient colors on sunny days, and kids can throw stones by the lake. ⚠️ Don't take kids to Daocheng Yading; the hiking trails are too long, and altitude sickness can be difficult. Instead, Hailuogou is the right choice. Take the cable car up to Camp 4 to see the glaciers; kids will feel like they're walking on ice cream. ⏰ Return to Xinduqiao in the evening and wait for the sunset at the Gongga Snow Mountain viewing platform; the golden light spilling over the grasslands will keep kids quietly watching for a long time. For accommodation, I recommend the tent rooms at the campsite; although the conditions are basic, the night sky is incredibly stunning. 8️⃣ Yichun | Heilongjiang Yichun is the "small forest sea" of Northeast China; you don't need air conditioning, and you'll even need to close windows and use blankets at night. ⏰ Head straight to Tangwanghe Forest Sea Stone Forest. The scenic area is too large to explore entirely, so take the electric car directly to the "Yixiantian" (A Line of Sky) area and get off. The rocks here look like sliced cakes, and kids can play hide-and-seek by crawling into the crevices. At noon, eat cold-water fish stewed with tofu at a farmhouse restaurant at the scenic area entrance; the fish has few bones, so kids can eat it too. ⚠️ Bring mosquito repellent; there are many insects in the forest area. In the afternoon, go to the Tangwanghe rafting section; the water isn't rapid, so you can rent a raft and let the kids paddle themselves while adults lie on the boat and sunbathe. It's only about 25°C here in midsummer, so you'll need a light blanket at night, making it so comfortable you won't want to leave. Jiangxi's Shicheng, Kaifeng's Ancient City, and Yichun's Forest Sea are the most suitable places for traveling with kids. Shicheng is cool in the morning, Kaifeng offers food and fun, and Yichun is so cool you won't want to go home. Tell me in the comments the most outrageous place you went for summer vacation, so I can avoid it.

No need to squeeze into popular ancient towns; this Ming Dynasty-era city nestled on the border of Jiangxi offers both intangible cultural heritage and popular photo spots featured in variety shows, making it perfect for a short weekend getaway. 📌Basic Travel Information Trip Duration: Two-day weekend trip in October 2025 Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Recommended Attire: New Chinese Hanfu, elegant cotton and linen long skirt, suitable for taking photos in the ancient city streets and at night with the fish lanterns Trip Attributes: Cultural Heritage, Variety Show Featured Leisure Weekend Trip 🚗Transportation Guide Take the high-speed rail to Dingnan South Station, only 1.5 hours from Shenzhen. Two Exit Options: 1. Taxi (15 minutes to the ancient city entrance) 2. Bus (10-15 minutes interval, more cost-effective) All points in the ancient city can be reached on foot, no need to drive. 🗺️Itinerary (Straightforward Route) Day 1 Arrive at the Ancient City → Experience making fish lanterns at the city gate → Afternoon tea with intangible cultural heritage snacks → Dingnan Auspicious Lion Dance performance → Ancient City Night Fireworks Show → Nighttime Fish and Dragon Dance Parade → Check into Fengheju Homestay Day 2 Breakfast and leisurely stroll in the ancient city → Check in at standees of variety show stars → Check in at the same filming locations as Gudehao Private Hotel and Painted Boat → Enjoy Jiangxi cuisine at Fengheju Restaurant → Take a leisurely walk at Jiuqu Resort → View from Buyi Pagoda → Return trip ✨Must-see Highlights 1. A 450-year-old complete Ming Dynasty city wall, with few tourists, no need to queue for empty shots 2. Official filming location for "Let's Start Deduction 3", featuring scenes with Dilraba Dilmurat, Zhang Linghe, and Liu Yuning 3. Limited-time nighttime fish lantern parade combined with fireworks, creating a unique atmosphere and perfect for unobstructed photos 4. Immersive ancient-style interaction at Xueqian Street, where you can dress up, collect silver notes, and participate in challenges with NPCs, experiencing a journey back to the Ming Dynasty 🎡Unique Activities 1. Handmade Fish Lantern Making: Workshops are set up at the ancient city gates where you can make your own fish lanterns. You can then hold one and participate in the city-wide parade at night, creating a memorable photo opportunity. 2. Hakka Intangible Cultural Heritage Performances: Regular performances of Dingnan Lion Dance and Gannan Tea-Picking Opera offer a close-up experience of traditional Hakka folk customs. The performances are lively and down-to-earth. 3. Ancient Town Fireworks + Fish and Dragon Parade: Fireworks light up the night sky, and a giant fish lantern procession winds through the streets. The lights and fireworks create a visual effect reminiscent of a real-life "Big Fish & Begonia" movie. 4. Immersive Ancient-Style Adventure: Rent ancient costumes and exchange them for ancient silver notes in Xueqian Street. Interact with NPCs in the area to complete tasks and enjoy an immersive ancient-style experience. 🎫Practical Travel Information Ticket Prices Dingnan Hakka Ancient City is free to enter; there is no entrance fee. Fish lantern making experience and costume rental are separate paid services, with prices remaining the same regardless of peak or off-peak season. Jiuqu Resort and Buyi Pagoda have no entrance fees. Scenic Area Reservation Rules The ancient city streets are open all day; no online reservation is required. The intangible cultural heritage lion dance and tea-picking opera performances have more shows on weekends and half-price shows on weekdays; no advance reservation is required. The nighttime fish lantern parade is only held on weekends and holidays. 🍜Local Food 1. Mango Pomelo Sago and Goose Fish Dumplings (Street food stalls in the ancient city, 2-minute walk) A favorite of Dilraba Dilmurat on variety shows; the fish dumplings are fresh and bouncy, paired with refreshing mango pomelo sago to cut through the richness. 2. Hakka Fried Peanuts and Hot Pot Skin (Street food stall next to Gu Dehao, 3-minute walk) A favorite of Zhang Linghe; the hot pot skin is thin, crispy, and savory, while the fried peanuts are flavorful and chewy, perfect for eating on the go. 3. Mung Bean Paste and Carp Ice Cream (Xueqian Street Intersection, 1-minute walk): Bai Yu's favorite refreshing summer snacks. The mung bean paste is smooth and icy, while the ice cream is rich and creamy. 4. Ash Water Rice Cake, Iron Spoon Rice Cake, and Sweet Potato Rice Cake (Central Food Alley of the Ancient City, 4-minute walk): Locally known as the "Three Great Rice Cakes," these are authentic Hakka rice-based snacks, each with a soft, chewy texture and unique flavor. 🏨Hotel Recommendations 1. Fengheju Homestay 2. Cidihuakai·Bula Homestay 🎒Travel Essentials Power bank, traditional Chinese folding fan, light jacket 💡Travel Tips 1. The fish lantern parade is only held on weekend nights; there are no activities on weekdays. Prioritize Saturdays and Sundays for your trip. 2. Xueqian Street offers a wide variety of costumes and props. The soft evening light is perfect for taking photos in a traditional Chinese style. 3. The ancient town's snacks are concentrated in the central food alley. Visiting all areas in one place will reduce your travel distance. 4. The number of people during the night parade increases slightly. If you want to take photos of empty spaces, it's recommended to arrive half an hour early to secure a good spot. Just an hour and a half drive from Shenzhen, avoid the crowds and commercialized ancient towns. In this Hakka ancient town, see intangible cultural heritage, make fish lanterns, and enjoy a romantic short trip where fireworks and lights intertwine.

Staying at Dingnan Grand Skylight International Hotel is truly an amazing experience! 🌈 🏨 The hotel exterior is grand and stylish Located at 16 Qiancheng Avenue in Dingnan, this hotel covers a huge area and features a beautifully designed garden 🌿. Every photo looks like a masterpiece! 💯 The stay experience is unbeatable · 🏊 Excellent gym and swimming pool · 🌸 A stroll in the back garden is incredibly romantic · 🍽️ Breakfast is rich and varied, with plenty of local specialties to enjoy · 🚗 Super close to the high-speed rail station and downtown, making taxis very convenient ✨ Service is incredibly thoughtful The staff are extremely friendly, check-in is fast and professional, and they never intrude on guests’ privacy. Plus, they’re always ready to help—this kind of service is simply lovable! ❤️ When visiting Jiangxi, Dingnan Grand Skylight is definitely the best choice! Not only is the price reasonable, but the environment and service exceed expectations— Highly recommend it to friends planning to visit Dingnan! 👇

Though separated by mountains and rivers, we share the same moon and sky. This is a kind of open-mindedness that transcends time and space, and it is also the most profound wisdom that travel bestows upon us. Travel is also a form of spiritual practice; we kiss the earth with our feet and embrace the world with our eyes. In the deep mountains where there is no signal, we re-establish our connection with all things. We listen to birdsong, smell the fragrance of flowers, and feel the coolness of dew. These subtle beauties awaken our numb senses. We begin to re-examine our lives and realize that we have been moving too fast, to the point of losing our souls. Travel is a remedy, curing our "urban ills." In the embrace of mountains and rivers, we learn to slow down. Only by slowing down can we see the path clearly; only by slowing down can we hear our hearts. We are no longer overwhelmed by anxiety, but have learned to enjoy every moment of the present. This spiritual practice allows us to rediscover the rhythm of life. When we return to our daily lives with this composure, we will find that even brewing a pot of tea or watching a cloud is a form of spiritual practice. We have finally found our own piece of nature in this chaotic world. #NewYearDestinations2026#travel2026

Dingnan Hakka Ancient City | One-Day Complete Guide Basic Information 📍Address: Laocheng Town, Dingnan County, Ganzhou (Navigation: Dingnan Hakka Ancient City) 🎫Admission: Free ⏰Best Itinerary: Enter the park at 15:00 → Night tour until 21:30; Fish lantern parade only on weekends, weekdays are only suitable for quiet photography of ancient buildings 🚗Transportation 1. High-speed rail: Guangzhou South → Dingnan South Station, 1.5 hours, 15-minute taxi ride from the station 2. By car: Laocheng Exit of Gan-Yue Expressway, 2 kilometers away, parking capped at 10 yuan/day 👗Outfit: Hanfu, New Chinese style, Hanfu can be rented inside the city; evening + night scene have the best photo opportunities I. Daytime Itinerary (Ancient Buildings + Variety Show Filming Locations) Core Photo Spots 1. 1. Yingyang Gate (East Gate): A landmark of the ancient city, a filming location for "Let's Start Deducing 3," and a great spot for taking ancient-style photos on the city gate and walls. The starting point for the weekend fish and dragon dance parade. 2. Ancient County Government Office: A live performance of "The County Magistrate Judges a Case" at 10:00 AM, and a photo opportunity to see the Qing Dynasty "Cultivating Classics and Planting Characters" plaque, creating an immersive ancient-style scene. 3. Xueqian Street (NPC Street Area): Interact with over a dozen ancient-style NPCs throughout the day, collect silver notes and complete tasks; a popular cartoon wall and a red wall with the large character "Dingnan" (meaning "Staying South")—perfect for your social media cover photo. 4. Wenchang Well + Nine Wells and Eighteen Alleys: A 400-year-old Ming Dynasty street with rammed earth walls, an ancient well, and old houses with black tiles. Quiet and less crowded, perfect for taking artistic photos. 5. Hundred Crafts Workshop Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: DIY fish lanterns, indigo dyeing, and lacquer fan making—a top choice for family outings. Finished fish lanterns can be taken to the evening parade. Daytime Itinerary 15. 00 Enter the park, stroll along the city wall and old street, and take photos at the same spots as celebrities. 16. 30 Intangible cultural heritage handicrafts or leisurely explore the local food street. 17. 30 Wait for the sunset by the river and take silhouette photos of the city wall. II. Nighttime Highlights (Friday/Saturday/Sunday only) 1. One Night of Fish and Dragon Dance (Starts promptly at 19:30) Hundreds of five-blessing fish lanterns parade along the streets. The riverside walkway and the painted boat dock are the best spots for taking photos. A real-life version of the night view of "Big Fish & Begonia." You can rent fish lanterns (20 yuan) to join the procession. 2. Riverside Illuminated Ancient Street Lanterns fill the streets and alleys, reflecting on the water. Enjoy the night view of the painted boats. The same photo spot as Dilraba Dilmurat is located at the riverside dock. 3. Additional Activities: Lion Dance Performance, Bonfire, Small Fireworks (Limited to holidays). III. Hakka Cuisine List (Must-Try Dishes) Main Dishes ✅ Sour Rice Wine Duck (Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage, braised duck with glutinous rice and sour rice wine, spicy and sour, a must-try) ✅ Hakka Stuffed Tofu, Local Chicken Hot Pot ✅ Goose and Fish Dumplings: Thin fish skin filled with fresh and tender fillings Street Food Water Soup Rice Noodles, Ash Water Rice Cake, Iron Spoon Rice Cake, Yellow Rice Cake, Ai Mi Guo (Sweet Rice Cake), eat your fill for around 30 RMB per person. IV. Two-Day Trip Options (Short Getaways) Ancient City + Jiuqu Resort Rafting, mountains and rivers + ancient city, two days from Guangzhou is just right. V. Tips to Avoid Crowds 1. Most shops are only open during the day on weekdays, the night scene is deserted, be sure to choose Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to go. 2. Golden time for taking photos: 1 hour after sunset + half an hour after the lights come on, the least crowds. 3. Recommended guesthouses within the ancient city: Cidi Huakai (the same guesthouse featured in the variety show) and Fengheju Guesthouse, where you can see the parade procession just by opening your window.

Tired of the city's hustle and bustle, looking for a short trip that can both calm your mind and refresh your lungs. Not far from Shenzhen and Guangzhou by car, lies Jiangxi's gentlest small town—Xunwu and Sanbai Mountain. Every mountain and river is poetic, every alley and museum holds original intentions. Two days and one night, slow down life, walk into the source of the Dongjiang River, and step into the red years🌿 🚗 Travel Route|Perfect for Departure from Guangdong About 3.5 hours driving from Shenzhen|About 4 hours driving from Guangzhou High-speed rail + shuttle Ganzhou-Shenzhen High-speed Rail → Dingnan South Station → Tourist Shuttle → Sanbai Mountain (about 40 minutes) Not far or tiring, just right for a weekend escape, surrounded by green mountains and forests, the scenery along the way is healing and relaxing. 📅 Two-day itinerary|A gentle blend of culture and nature Day 1 Xunwu · Trace the Red Footprints, Touch the Century-old Cultural Heritage 🔴 Mao Zedong Xunwu Investigation Memorial Hall When you come to Xunwu, be sure to visit here for a peaceful walk. In the spring of 1930, the great leader conducted in-depth research here and wrote "Xunwu Investigation" and "Oppose Book Worship." The phrase "No investigation, no right to speak" spread nationwide from here. Entering the memorial hall, old items, manuscripts, and vintage photos are quietly displayed, as if returning to those glorious years. It’s not just a check-in spot but a moment of quiet reflection. Understand the principle of seeking truth from facts, understand the origin of the original intention❤️ Afterward, stroll through the red-themed street area with blue bricks and black tiles, quaint alleys full of atmosphere, perfect for photos. In the afternoon, visit the Matih River Ecological Riverside Park in Xunwu, Jiangxi🌿 In the afternoon mist and rain, the lotus pond is shallow, greenery covers the slopes, and the walkway winds between water reflections and trees, truly blending the "special zone romance" into the gentle old revolutionary area’s landscape. As an ecological symbol of Shenzhen-Xunwu cooperation, this river’s old channel has now become a waterside paradise where Xunwu residents see greenery from their windows and step into a painting when they go out. Watching you walk along the path with an umbrella, every step is a mutual journey across mountains and seas—Shenzhen protects the Dongjiang source’s ecology, making the old revolutionary area’s water clearer and scenery more beautiful. Walking here, feeling the moist breeze, even your breath carries the fresh scent of plants, truly healing. Day 2 Sanbai Mountain · Dongjiang Source, a Fairyland Oxygen Tour Sanbai Mountain, the source of Hong Kong’s Dongjiang drinking water. Endless green forests, mist swirling, waterfalls cascading, the air filled with the fragrance of plants🍃 ✨ Walk the Cloud Sky Glass Bridge Underfoot is a sea of clouds and mountains, lush green everywhere, the atmosphere is instantly elevated. ✨ Stroll the Manyun Cliffside Walkway Wandering through forest and cloud sea, every step a scenic view, every snapshot a landscape painting. ✨ Check in at Dongjiang’s First Waterfall Water plunges straight down, mist brushes your face, and after rain, you might see a rainbow—full of fairy charm. After enjoying the scenery, slowly return home, a perfect weekend trip. 🌿 Why must you visit Xunwu + Sanbai Mountain at least once? ✔️ Away from crowds, quiet and non-commercialized ✔️ Deep red cultural heritage, heartfelt and healing ✔️ Forest oxygen bar for lung cleansing, stunning mountain and water views ✔️ Top choice for short self-driving trips around Guangdong, easy and not tiring Half red cultural baptism, half mountain and water wellness. Find a place of tranquility, attend a rendezvous with mountains and rivers🍂

Less-known parent-child self-driving travel guide around Guangdong, fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, super comfortable! First Stop: Anyuan Sanbaisan (Recommended 1-day visit) Off-peak tip: Try to enter the park right after it opens in the morning. Tour groups usually arrive after 10 AM, so entering early allows you to enjoy the main attractions exclusively. If you're lucky, you can see a sea of clouds, and seeing the sea of clouds with kids is super breathtaking. Recommended Route - Walk the B-line in reverse (walking from the South Gate is also an option): Enter from the North Gate, first take a boat ride on Dongfeng Lake to avoid the crowds downstream, then hike to Zhiyin Spring → Dongjiang First Waterfall. After that, walk along Manyun Plank Road, Glass Bridge, Volcanic Yaochi, and finally take the cable car down the mountain. Crowds are dispersed throughout the route, so you barely need to queue for photos. The boat ticket is well worth it for a ride of several tens of minutes; on the second floor of the boat, you can feel the breeze and enjoy the mountain and lake views. Kids absolutely love taking the boat. Package options: Adults 150 RMB / person. Online purchase one day in advance offers a discounted price of 135 RMB, including one-way cable car + B-line shuttle + glass attractions + boat ride. Extremely high value for money. If you don't want to be too tired, you can take the popular A-line round-trip cable car, but you'll miss the scenery around Zhiyin Spring and the boat ride. The hiking experience is comfortable and not crowded, and it's not tiring to walk slowly with kids. Accommodation: You can choose a hot spring resort at the foot of the mountain. After playing, relax in the hot springs. It's quiet with fewer people, and soaking in the hot springs after kids are tired is super comfortable. Second Stop: Longnan Yangming Xingu (Recommended half-day visit) Off-peak tip: The scenic area focuses on cultural experiences and naturally has fewer visitors. If you go in the morning, you can almost exclusively enjoy the cultural and natural landscapes. There's a spot in the village at the foot of the mountain where you can view the pavilions on the mountain from afar, and it's super beautiful for photos. Core activities: Focus on visiting Jade Stone Immortal Cave and Yuxu Cave, admiring the cliff carvings inside the caves, and strolling along the "One Line, Eight Sights" route to experience Yangming's philosophy. The entire route is quiet with few people, making it super suitable for telling historical stories to kids. If you have ample time, you can try niche activities like intangible cultural heritage rubbings or tie-dye sketching. The experience is great, and you don't have to queue. Kids will be super happy doing handicrafts. Basic information: Open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, ticket sales stop at 5:30 PM. Located in the northern suburbs of Longnan city. Third Stop: Dingnan Hakka Ancient City (Recommended afternoon to evening visit) The ancient city is free to enter, and there are very few people during the day. The core experience is in the evening. Although the night parade is lively, the ancient city streets are wide, so it won't be overly crowded. Stroll through the ancient city's blue brick alleys, take photos, and experience tie-dye DIY / fish lantern making. With fewer people in the shops, you can take your time to enjoy the experience. Night (after 7:30 PM): Watch the "One Night Fish Dragon Dance" parade. You can follow along without having to squeeze to the front of the crowd; watching from along the street offers a better experience. After the parade, you can stay in a guesthouse within the ancient city. It's very quiet at night, away from the hustle and bustle, and kids will sleep soundly. Must-try: Taste local Hakka delicacies: Goose Fish Dumplings, Stuffed Spring Rolls, and Local Pork Feast. You can enjoy authentic Hakka flavors at small eateries without queuing. Kids will eat it with great relish. Accommodation 🏨Anyuan Sanbaisan Hot Spring Resort Hotel Hot spring hotel at the foot of the mountain, soak in the hot springs after getting tired, spacious family rooms, includes hot spring tickets, high value for money. 🏨Longnan Yangming Xingu Scenic Area Guesthouse Characteristic guesthouse near the scenic area, tranquil environment, can experience Hakka culture, 5 minutes from the scenic area. 🏨Dingnan Hakka Ancient City Guesthouse Boutique guesthouse within the ancient city, convenient for night tours, quiet at night, distinctive Hakka architectural style. 🏨Ganzhou Longnan Grand Skylight International Hotel Five-star hotel in the city center, complete facilities, good service, suitable for transit stays, not far from various scenic spots. ---

During the May Day holiday, many cultural and tourism activities in Dingnan are ready. Measure spring with your steps and dispel fatigue with passion. 【Dingnan Football Carnival Night】 On May 2, at Dingnan (National) Youth Football Training Center. China League One match between Dingnan Ganlian and Shaanxi United, featuring Hakka Sister Cheerleading Team, football waist drum, cultural performances, lottery, and a dazzling fireworks show. 【Shrimp Carnival Beer Festival】 From May 1 to 5, at Hakka Ancient City (newly rated National 3A Scenic Area). Taste Hakka flavors, enjoy fish lanterns and Rui Lion intangible heritage, join the shrimp and beer carnival, cheer for China League One, and experience the ancient city's lively atmosphere. 【Fun Labor at Jiuqu】 From May 1 to 5, at Jiuqu Resort. Whispering tree holes, free stress relief wall, labor posture challenge, creative video contest for tickets, joyful ring toss, Wa ethnic carnival. Tickets can be used for boat rides, paddleboarding, and other water activities. 【Joy at Taoyuan】 From May 1 to 5, at Taoyuan Lejing Scenic Area. Centered on traditional Hakka wedding customs, featuring sedan chair parades, Peach Blossom Island blessings, Hakka costume intangible heritage shows, crying bride folk performances, embroidered ball tossing, and interactive peach blossom banquets for an immersive experience. 【Gannan Hakka Costume Exhibition】 From April 23 to May 15, at Sikoutang Art Museum in Hakka Ancient City. "Hakka Charm in Colorful Clothes · Heritage of Clothing," a national intangible cultural heritage exhibition of Gannan Hakka costumes. 【Fine Arts and Calligraphy Exhibition】 From April 25 to May 15, at Sikoutang Art Museum in Hakka Ancient City. Showcasing the new era style of Dingnan with oil paintings created by renowned painters during on-site visits. 【Tea-Picking Opera in the Scenic Area】 From May 3 to 5, at Hakka Ancient City. Classic tea-picking opera performances blending intangible cultural heritage opera with the ancient city's cultural context. 【Light, Music, and Water Show】 From May 1 to 5, at Longgui Lake. A beautiful and romantic dynamic performance combining lights, music, and water show. 【County Library Activities】 From May 1 to 31: "Life in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms" exhibition, experiencing seasonal changes and traditional charm. On May 1: "Skillful Hands Praise Labor · Creative May Day Celebration" children's craft activity (button collage showcasing labor elements). On May 3: "Picture Books Nourish Children's Hearts, Reading Accompanies Growth" reading promotion event. This May Day, come to Dingnan to watch China League One, stroll through the ancient city, enjoy intangible cultural heritage, and play in the mountains and waters, starting a holiday full of passion and fireworks!

Dingnan Ancient City in Ganzhou is the only Hakka ancient city in China, brimming with Hakka culture and well worth a visit. Admission is free! The snacks and souvenirs are very affordable. Today, I'll share my travel guide with you. Upon arriving at Dingnan Ancient City, you'll see a magnificent city wall with ancient buildings such as gate towers and gates. These structures are very distinctive, and you can take photos here. Wandering into the alleys of Dingnan Ancient City, you'll find many snack and souvenir shops. You can sample local delicacies such as Hakka rice wine and Hakka fried noodles. These snacks are delicious and reasonably priced. If you want to buy souvenirs, there are also many shops to choose from, all handmade! In short, Dingnan Ancient City is a place worth visiting. It not only boasts magnificent city walls and ancient architecture but also many delicious snacks and souvenir shops. If you come to Ganzhou, be sure to check it out!

At 7:00 PM on March 3rd, the "Our Festival · Lantern Festival — Fuma Celebrates Spring, Lights Shine on Ganzhou" Lantern Festival event will be grandly held in the main urban area of Ganzhou. The event features an immersive "time-travel" experience, where Wang Yangming will lead a ceremonial guard to hold an entrance ceremony at Jianchun Gate, recreating the grand scene of the Ming Dynasty Governor of Southern Ganzhou’s visit; afterwards, intangible cultural heritage folk formations from eight counties (cities, districts) including Zhanggong District, Longnan, Xunwu, Shangyou, Quannan, Nankang, Dingnan, and Shicheng will parade along Zhongshan Road—Jiefang Road—Yangming Road to Sixian Square, showcasing representative Gannan Hakka intangible cultural heritage projects such as dragon and lion dances, incense dragon, twelve scenic lanterns, nine lions worshiping the elephant, flower stick dance, carp lanterns, auspicious lions, and colorful lanterns. Multiple performance points will be set up along the parade route, and a grand folk performance will be held at Junmenlou Square. On-site, there will also be an intangible cultural heritage market, lantern festival, "Big Tangyuan" themed scenes, and lantern riddle guessing interactive activities, fully presenting the authentic Hakka New Year flavor and festive atmosphere. Come to Ganzhou and join a Lantern Festival appointment that transcends time!

❤️ Dingnan Ancient City is bustling with people on the first day of the Lunar New Year🔥 Immerse yourself in games, prize coupons, fish lantern parades, lion dances, and fireworks shows🎇 🏮 Lanterns hang high, shining brightly on faces, wishing for a prosperous Year of the Horse in 2026🔥 🧧 Red silk dances gracefully, visitors smile happily, the lively atmosphere fills the heart🥰 🏠 X343, Dingnan County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province 📅 Open year-round from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM 🎉 The activities on the first day of the Lunar New Year are very rich, with different performances and interactive games every day. Everyone participates with great enthusiasm. The shops in the city are also open, where you can taste local delicacies. At night, you can enjoy beautiful light shows and fireworks displays. It’s truly amazing! 👉 Nearby attractions include Taohuayuan Scenic Area and others, perfect for family outings. 📸 Tip: Wearing Hanfu or red clothes will make your photos look even better!

Free admission to Dingnan Hakka Ancient City, with a strong festive atmosphere during the Spring Festival. Enjoy fish lantern parades, auspicious lion dances, iron flower performances, and rich Hakka folk customs. Perfect for a relaxed 2-3 day visit. 🚄 Transportation Recommendations (from Shenzhen/Guangzhou/Ganzhou) 🚄 High-speed Rail (Preferred) Arrive at Dingnan South Station: about 1.5 hours from Shenzhen North/Futian, about 2 hours from Guangzhou South, and about 30 minutes from Ganzhou. From the station: Taxi takes 15-20 minutes to the ancient city (around 30 RMB); or take the Hakka Ancient City tourist shuttle bus (1 RMB, 30 minutes). 🚗 Self-driving Navigate to "Dingnan Hakka Ancient City Visitor Center": about 2.5 hours from Shenzhen, 3.5 hours from Guangzhou, and 1.5 hours from Ganzhou. Parking: Over 1000 spaces at the visitor center, free for the first hour, 10 RMB max for overtime. 🌆 From County Town to Ancient City Taxi about 10 minutes, bus 1 RMB, very convenient. 📅 3 Days 2 Nights Spring Festival Itinerary (Relaxed pace) Day 1: Arrival → Check-in → Explore ancient city streets → Watch 7:30 PM fish lantern parade + auspicious lion dance + iron flower show → Late-night snacks Day 2: Breakfast in the ancient city → Intangible cultural heritage experience (tie-dye/fish lantern DIY) → Mingyuan Diwei House / Tiger-shaped Weiwus → Dingnan Window → Ancient city night view Day 3: Leisurely stroll in the ancient city → Buy souvenirs (cured meat/gray water rice cake) → Return trip 🍲 Food Recommendations (Hakka intangible cultural heritage + local snacks, 30-60 RMB per person) ‼️ Must-try main dishes (meals) ✔️ Sour Wine Duck (intangible cultural heritage): marinated in rice wine, sour and spicy, appetizing, 58 RMB per serving (for 2-3 people). ✔️ Goose Fish Dumplings: fish meat skin, fish bone broth, 8 RMB per bowl, incredibly fresh. ✔️ Hakka Stuffed Tofu: crispy outside, tender inside, full of meat filling, local home-style flavor. 👉 Street Snacks (1-15 RMB) ✔️ Gray Water Rice Cake (3 RMB), Iron Spoon Rice Cake (2 RMB), Tangpi, Pearl Powder, Aimi Fruit (10 RMB for 3). ✔️ Hakka Oil Tea, Lei Tea: served with fried rice or fried dough, warms the stomach and relieves greasiness. ⭐️ Recommended Shops Fengheju Homestay Restaurant, Old Teahouse at the ancient city entrance, Local Grandma’s Snack Stall (freshly made, more authentic). 🧥 Winter Clothing (Dingnan in February: 7-28°C, big temperature difference between morning and night + damp cold) Layered dressing (easy to put on and take off) Inner layer: quick-dry/cotton base, thin sweater Middle layer: knitwear, thin sweatshirt Outer layer: thin down jacket/cotton jacket/trench coat (windproof and damp-proof) 🖇️ Essentials Scarf, hat (very cold in early morning/evening/night performances) Non-slip shoes (ancient city’s bluestone roads are slippery when wet) Umbrella (occasional light rain in February) 📷 Photo tips: Hanfu, new Chinese style, light-colored cotton and linen outfits match perfectly with the ancient city’s gray tiles and white walls for great photos. 🚨 Avoid Pitfalls (Tips to avoid trouble and save worry) 1. Performance time trap Fish lantern parade, iron flower show, and auspicious lion dance only happen after 7:30 PM on Saturdays and holidays; no shows on weekdays. During the Spring Festival (New Year's Eve to Lantern Festival), they happen every day, so don’t miss out. 2. Crowd trap The core streets are most crowded from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Avoid peak times: visit the ancient city wall early at 8 AM, intangible cultural heritage workshops in the morning, and night market in the evening. 3. Spending trap Don’t trust the “100 RMB guided tour” at the entrance, mostly a scam; follow locals or look for free guided tour signs. Snack and experience prices are transparent (1-20 RMB), no forced consumption. 4. Accommodation trap Avoid booking remote homestays outside the ancient city; it’s inconvenient to return after night performances. Prioritize staying inside the ancient city or in the county center. 5. Others Respect Hakka customs, do not enter ancestral halls or Weiwus without permission; ask before taking photos. ✅ Tips: Book 15 days in advance during the Spring Festival peak season, prioritize staying inside the ancient city for easy walking back after night tours.