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

#slowtraveling Imagine stepping through a stone door that hasn’t opened for a thousand years 🚪, and suddenly you’re face to face with horses that still snort, court ladies still smiling, and feasts that never end 🥂 — this is no fantasy, this is the magic waiting for you in Baoji’s underground mural corridors 🤩! 🏛️ Famen Temple Underground Palace Murals (Tang Dynasty Golden Glow) This is not just a temple, it’s a Tang Dynasty time capsule 🎁! The mural corridors wrapped around the sacred relic sites hold vibrant paintings of imperial processions, pearl-draped maids holding incense burners 🌸, and celestial guardians with armor that still glints under soft light. You walk slow, slow, slow here, and every step feels like you’re drifting past Tang emperors’ most secret sacred ceremonies ⛩️! 🐎 Yongle Palace (Baoji Ruicheng Section) Taoist Mural Corridors Wait till you see these lines — the “iron wire strokes” are so sharp they could almost cut paper ✏️! 1000+ square meters of uninterrupted murals spread along the tomb side corridors, showing 286 celestial beings floating across the clouds ☁️, their robes fluttering like they’re about to drift right out of the wall. Slow motion your pace here, and you’ll swear you can feel the wind of Yuan Dynasty blowing through your hair 💨! 📜 Zhouyuan Site Western Zhou Tomb Mural Remnants The oldest of them all! These 3000-year-old mural fragments 🧩 peek out from the earthen tomb walls, showing the very first painting language of Chinese civilization — primitive, bright, full of the fire of early Zhou royal life 🔥. Wander along the corridor, and you’re walking side by side with the nobles who built the most foundational dynasty of Chinese culture 🫂! 🌸 Tang Dynasty Prince Yide Tomb Mural (Baoji Territorial Section) Huge, lifelike paintings of polo matches 🏇, hunting parties, and palace banquets stretch for hundreds of meters down the sloping tomb corridor. The artists painted every single horse mane, every single detail of the ladies’ silk skirts so perfectly that when you slow your steps to a crawl, you can almost hear the hoofbeats 🏇, the laughter, the clink of wine cups echoing through the centuries 🥳! Every step in these dim, warm lamp-lit corridors is slow-motion. The colors didn’t fade, the stories didn’t die 🧡. You’re not looking at art behind glass — you’re strolling through a living, breathing century that has waited 1000 years just for you to walk into its frame 🖼️💫!#chinatravel #travel2026 #travel #couplestrip #staycation #thingstodo #familytravel #museums #myitinerary #citydaytours #china #travelchina #trip #tripblazers

🔥1️⃣ Xi’an | carb lover’s paradise satisfies your 256G appetite! 📍Must-visit attractions: ✔ Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors Museum ✨ The eighth wonder of the world is truly breathtaking! It’s best to visit in the first group in the morning. Fewer people make for great photos! 🚗 Location: Qinling North Road, Lintong District (car hire or group tour recommended) 💡 Tips: Be sure to hire a guide or you’ll just be looking at clay figures ✔ Xi’an city wall 🌄 Recommended to visit at sunset. Walk on the thousand-year-old blue bricks and feel the charm of the ancient capital of 13 dynasties! Cycling around is super relaxing 🕙 Hours: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM 🎫 Ticket: 54 CNY per person ✔ Datang Everbright City 🏮 Nightlife rating off the charts! NPC interactive performances + light shows + food street. Wear Hanfu for a check-in that will dominate your social feed! ✨ Recommended route: a 2-hour walk along the north-south central axis ⚠️ Tip: It’s livelier after 7:00 PM! 🔥2️⃣ Baoji | the treasure trove of Zhou and Qin culture 📍Must-visit attractions: ✔ Famen Temple 🙏 A Buddhist holy site housing the finger bone relic of Shakyamuni Buddha! The underground palace artifacts are stunning, known as a Tang dynasty art museum 🕙 Suggested visit time: 3 hours 📸 Photo spot: The He Shi Relic Pagoda is a must ✔ Taibai Mountain ❄️ The amazing “June snow” phenomenon! Take the cable car to Tianyuan Difang to check out the Qinling dividing line ♨ Hot spring tip: The Yulong Bay hot springs at the foot of the mountain are super relaxing 🍜 Must-try foods: Qishan saozi noodles | Fengxiang tofu pudding with bread soak | Fufeng deer cake 🔥3️⃣ Hanzhong | birthplace of Han culture, stunningly beautiful 📍Must-visit attractions: ✔ Xinghan Scenic Area 🎭 The live show “Legend of Tianhan” is worth every penny! Comparable in scale to Songcheng’s Eternal Love 🌌 The nighttime light show is breathtaking! ✔ Mian County Zhuge Ancient Town 🎎 A paradise for Three Kingdoms fans! Rent Hanfu for photos that look amazing 🎯 Recommended plan: explore the ancient town in the afternoon and watch the show at night 🍲 Must-try foods: Hanzhong hot rice noodles | vegetable tofu | Ningqiang spicy chicken

One of the most common mistakes for first-time visitors to Xi’an is mixing up the city center, Qujiang, Lintong, and Huashan in the itinerary. Although the attractions seem close, traveling between these areas takes a lot of time. This route follows the order of “Xi’an city center – Qujiang – Lintong – Huashan – Xianyang – Qinling,” allowing you to explore the history of the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, enjoy night views, try local snacks, and hike famous mountains. With enough time, you can spend 6 days; if you have only 3–4 days, you can pick highlights from this plan. · -- 🏯 must-see attractions in Xi’an ❤️ **Xi’an city center** Bell tower, drum tower, Xi’an city wall, Muslim quarter, Sajinqiao, Guangren Temple. 💛 **Qujiang area** Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Tang Paradise, Tang Dynasty Night Market, Qujiang Pool Ruins Park. 💚 **Lintong area** Museum of the Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace, Lishan Mountain, “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” performance. 💙 **Huashan area** Yuquan Temple, West Peak cable car, North Peak cable car, Golden Lock Pass, East Peak sunrise. 🧡 **Xianyang and Liquan** Yuanjia Village, Han Jingdi Yangling Museum, Qianling Tomb, Maoling Museum, Xianyang Museum. 💜 **Chang’an and Qinling** Cuihua Mountain, Nanwutai, Shijingli, Kunming Pool, Qinling Wildlife Park. · -- 🔴 Xi’an 6 days 5 nights itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Xi’an, explore the ancient city center first Xi’an Xianyang International Airport → hotel → bell tower → drum tower → Xi’an city wall → Muslim quarter Don’t pack the first day too full. After arrival, it’s best to stay near the bell tower, Yongning Gate, or Xiaozhai for convenient subway access. In the afternoon, visit the bell tower and drum tower to experience the ancient city’s central axis, then climb the city wall from Yongning Gate. If time allows, rent a bike to ride a section. The city wall lighting at dusk creates a great atmosphere. In the evening, head to the Muslim quarter and Sajinqiao area for snacks. Try roujiamo, beef and lamb paomo, zenggao, and sour plum juice, but sample small portions to avoid overeating on the first meal. · -- Day 2: Qujiang Tang culture day tour Shaanxi History Museum → Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Tang Paradise → Tang Dynasty Night Market It’s recommended to book tickets for the Shaanxi History Museum in advance. The collection ranges from Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes to Han and Tang artifacts. If you’re not familiar with history, review some background information or opt for a guided tour. After the museum, head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where dining and rest options are convenient. In the afternoon, explore Tang Paradise, which is quite large, so you don’t need to cover every corner. Save the evening for Tang Dynasty Night Market. The atmosphere changes completely from day to night, with Tang-style architecture, street performances, and visitors in Hanfu creating a unique vibe. · -- Day 3: Lintong history route Huaqing Palace → Lishan Mountain → Museum of the Terracotta Army → “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” Lintong is a bit far from Xi’an city center, so it’s best to dedicate a full day. In the morning, visit Huaqing Palace, where gardens, hot spring ruins, and Tang dynasty stories are concentrated. If you have the energy, hike Lishan Mountain; if not, explore the foot of the mountain. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of the Terracotta Army, commonly known as the Terracotta Warriors. This is not just a photo spot; plan about 3 hours to visit Pit 1, Pit 3, and Pit 2 in order. In the evening, watch the live performance of “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow.” The show depends on weather and season, so check the schedule after finalizing your plans. · -- Day 4: Challenge Huashan Xi’an North Station → Huashan North Station → visitor center → West Peak cable car → Golden Lock Pass → North Peak cable car descent For first-time visitors to Huashan who want to avoid exhaustion, the “up from the west, down from the north” route is recommended. Take the West Peak cable car up, pass West Peak, South Peak, East Peak, and Central Peak, then descend by the North Peak cable car to see many classic views. Huashan has many steps and some steep sections, so wear non-slip sports shoes. Even in summer, bring a light jacket as the temperature and wind on the mountain are noticeably different from the city. It’s not recommended to combine Huashan and the Terracotta Army in one day, as both require physical effort. Splitting them will provide a better experience. · -- Day 5: Xianyang and Guanzhong culture Yuanjia Village → Han Jingdi Yangling Museum → Xianyang city center Yuanjia Village is great for food and shopping. The old street offers Guanzhong snacks like oil-splashed noodles, cold noodles, guokui, and saozi noodles. Although commercialized, it still retains a lively local atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Han Jingdi Yangling Museum. Compared to the Terracotta Army, the accompanying figurines here are smaller, the exhibition space is quieter, and the underground ruins display is distinctive. If you’re interested in Tang dynasty imperial tombs, you can adjust this day to visit Qianling Tomb and Famen Temple, but these sites are farther apart and better suited for self-driving or private car hire. · -- Day 6: Leisurely tour of Qinling Cuihua Mountain → Nanwutai → Shijingli → Kunming Pool If you don’t want to visit museums on the last day, head south of Xi’an to enjoy nature. If you like mountains and cool retreats, choose Cuihua Mountain; if you prefer temples, hiking, and Qinling scenery, go to Nanwutai. There’s no need to visit both in one day—pick one and take your time. On the way back to the city in the afternoon, stop by Shijingli for a stroll, then walk around Kunming Pool at sunset to end your Xi’an trip at a relaxed pace. · -- 🏨 accommodation suggestions For first-time visitors, prioritize staying near the bell tower, Yongning Gate, Xiaozhai, or Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The bell tower area is good for exploring the old city and trying snacks; Yongning Gate is convenient for climbing the city wall and has a great night atmosphere; Xiaozhai offers easy transportation and is close to the Shaanxi History Museum; the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area is ideal for visiting Tang Dynasty Night Market in the evening. You can make day trips to Huashan and Lintong. If you plan to watch the Huashan sunrise or want to avoid rushing, consider staying near Huashan the night before. · -- ✅ travel tips Xi’an’s popular attractions are crowded during holidays. Book tickets for the Shaanxi History Museum, Terracotta Army, and other sites in advance when possible. Summer days are hot, and there is little shade around the city wall, Terracotta Army, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, so avoid the midday sun. Don’t schedule too many museums in one day to prevent information overload. Use the subway for city attractions; for Huashan and Xianyang, prioritize high-speed rail or self-driving to save time. Ticket prices, opening hours, and showtimes may change. Check official information on the day of your visit.

If you've already explored Xi'an's main attractions, here are the best ideas for short getaways without having to change hotels. ⸻ 🏔 1. Mount Huashan The most popular day trip from Xi'an. 🚄 High-speed train: 30–40 minutes to Huashan North station. What to see: · cable cars; · famous mountain trails; · panoramic viewing platforms. 📸 It's best to head out early in the morning. ⸻ 🏯 2. Terracotta Army + Huaqing Although technically part of the Xi'an metropolitan area, many dedicate a full day to this trip. Itinerary: · Terracotta Army; · Huaqing Hot Springs; · Huaqing Palace. If you like, you can catch The Song of Everlasting Sorrow show in the evening. ⸻ 🌊 3. Foping Lake (or Qinling Nature Areas) A great option for nature lovers. Here you'll find forests, mountain rivers, hiking trails, and beautiful observation decks. 🌿 Far fewer tourists. ⸻ 🚄 4. Luoyang You can get there in about 1.5 hours by high-speed train. Main attractions: · Longmen Grottoes; · Old Town; · temples. ⸻ 🏛 5. Famen Temple One of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. Located about a 2-hour drive from Xi'an. Perfect for those interested in history and Buddhism. ⸻ 🌄 6. Taibaishan National Park The highest peak of the Qinling Mountains. Even if you don't hike all the way to the top, the views along the way are well worth the trip. ⸻ 🏘 7. Hancheng Ancient City One of the most well-preserved historical cities in Shaanxi Province. Narrow streets, ancient mansions, and almost a complete absence of mass tourism. ⸻ 🌳 8. Cuihua Mountain A mountain park with lakes, gorges, and walking trails. Located about an hour's drive from Xi'an. ⸻ 🏞 9. Hukou Waterfall (if you're up for a long day) One of China's largest waterfalls, located on the Yellow River. The trip will take practically the whole day, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. ⸻ 🍃 10. Niu Bei Liang National Forest Park Beautiful forest trails, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and fresh mountain air. Perfect in summer. ⸻ Text post Xi'an is an excellent base for exploring Shaanxi Province and its neighboring regions. In just one day, you can see mountain peaks, ancient temples, national parks, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The most popular trip is Mount Huashan. A high-speed train gets you there in under an hour, and the panoramic views of its granite peaks are considered some of the most spectacular in China. If you're craving more history, head to Famen Temple or the ancient city of Hancheng, where you can soak in the atmosphere of old China without the massive tourist crowds. Nature lovers will enjoy the Qinling Mountains, Cuihua Mountain, and Niu Bei Liang National Forest Park. Here, you can spend the day surrounded by forests, lakes, mountain rivers, and scenic viewpoints. And if you're ready for a more packed itinerary, head to the Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River or Luoyang with its famous Longmen Grottoes. These trips require an early start but offer a chance to see a completely different side of central China.

Spent the day vibing at the legendary Famen Temple (Famensi, No.1 Famensi Rd, Fufeng County, Baoji, Shaanxi – open daily 8:00-18:00), and honestly, this spot is a total must if you’re exploring China’s wild mix of culture and chill vibes! The ancient pagoda and the peaceful temple grounds were sooo majestic—it’s like getting a spiritual reset and some crazy good photo ops all in one place. 📸✨ After soaking up all that history, I was totally ready to refuel—cue some bomb local eats! Grabbed a seat at a nearby restaurant, where the vibes were lively and the noodles were next level (seriously, sooo good!). But the best part? I had a front row seat for a live football match streaming while I ate! Nothing beats slurping hot noodles while everyone cheers for their fave team. The energy was contagious and it kinda felt like being in a movie scene, not gonna lie! 😍⚽ Pro-tip: If you’re ever at Famen Temple, def take the time to wander the halls and check out the Buddha relics—super inspiring. And when hunger strikes, don’t miss the chance to try local Shaanxi dishes while catching a game. This combo hit different and turned my chill temple day into a total chef’s kiss experience. Ready to explore more epic spots? Hit up trip.com for all the deets and best deals. Famen Temple and football night—100% recommended! #footballmatchfoodmap

Traveling freely in Xi'an? Renting a car with a driver is the way to go! Professional drivers + comfortable business vehicles make exploring the ancient city inside and out easy! All-Inclusive Price · Transparent with No Hidden Fees Costs include: vehicle use + driver + fuel Out-of-pocket: parking fees, tolls (if any) No tricks, no extra charges, go wherever you want Suitable Scenarios Sightseeing: Terracotta Warriors, Huaqing Pool, Mount Hua, Famen Temple, and other distant suburban attractions City Tours: City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Bell and Drum Tower area Airport and high-speed rail transfers, family trips, group inspections, business receptions Vehicle Introduction 7-seat Buick GL8, spacious, strong air conditioning, ample luggage space, free bottled water, clean and tidy, driver familiar with routes and can also provide travel advice. Booking Method Inform us of your itinerary/flight/train in advance, and we will plan the route for you, ensuring timely pick-up and drop-off for a worry-free ride!

The autumn scenery of Taibai Mountain is picturesque. The Tang-style hot spring town, Tang Town, with Shitang Huazong and Resili Hotel, is a paradise for families to enjoy hot springs and fun activities with kids! Experience two hotels for the price of one, offering great value and a full family-friendly experience~ 📍 Transportation Guide: The hotels are located in Taibai Mountain Tang Town, Meixian, Baoji. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Xi’an. The hotels are 20 km from Meixian East Station and Jiangzhang Station. Driving is the most convenient way to get there, no transfers needed when traveling with kids, saving time and effort~ 🏡 Shitang Huazong Hot Spring Resort Hotel: · Family-friendly room types: Various options including loft family hot spring rooms, themed family hot spring rooms, and family rooms to meet different family needs. Each room has a private hot spring pool with adjustable water temperature and unlimited soaking times, so kids can play in the water to their heart’s content~ · Thoughtful details: Rooms come with family bathrobes, wet slippers, hot spring herbal packs, mini bar, and more, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free stay for the whole family~ · Fun family activities: ✔️ Baking experience: Held daily from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Huazong Western Restaurant, kids can DIY cookies, unleash creativity, and enjoy their own creations, which is very rewarding~ ✔️ Deerfield animal interaction: Daily animal meet-and-greet from 9:00 AM to 9:20 AM. For 10 yuan, you can buy carrots to feed adorable animals like sika deer, alpacas, and rabbits. Kids get close to the animals and have a great time~ · Specialty dining: Dà Yé Hǎi’s new Shaanxi cuisine, Hú Jī Jiǔ Sì’s Northwest dishes, Tang Town Canteen’s buffet—all delicious. There’s also the trendy Tangye Milk Tea shop, perfect for photo ops and tasty treats at the same time~ ♨️ Resili Hot Spring Hotel (Free Experience): With the e-voucher given by Shitang Huazong Hotel, you can visit after checkout. It’s only a 5-minute walk, open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy a full day of fun~ · Rich hot spring facilities: Over 30 outdoor pools, indoor hot spring pools, children’s bubble pools, infinity pool, plus sauna rooms, a book bar, rest areas, and a kids’ playground. Fully equipped to meet the needs of the whole family~ · Special activities: The 6:00 PM night ceremony features exciting Tang dance performances. You can also feed ducks and koi fish, letting kids experience the charm of Tang culture~ 🎡 Nearby Activities: Taibai Mountain Scenic Area is close to the hotels, perfect for a day trip with kids to hike and enjoy the autumn mountain views and the grandeur of nature. Inside Tang Town, there are Tang-style buildings and streets, ideal for family strolls, photo ops, and check-ins~

In late autumn, Taibai Mountain is covered in colorful forests. Tang Town, a Tang-style hot spring town, hides two treasure hot spring hotels: Shitang Huazong and Resili. You can enjoy the fun of both hotels with one payment, making it an excellent choice for a family vacation! Here, you can soak in hot springs, enjoy amusement activities, and experience Tang culture with your kids~ 📍 Location and Transportation: The hotels are located in Taibai Mountain Tang Town, Meixian, Baoji, about 20 kilometers from Meixian East Station and Jiangzhang Station. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Xi’an. Self-driving is recommended, which is more convenient when traveling with kids—just go whenever you want~ 🏡 Shitang Huazong Hot Spring Resort Hotel: · Family Room Types: The hotel offers various room types, including loft family hot spring rooms, loft themed family hot spring rooms, and family rooms, meeting the needs of all kinds of families. The family rooms have private hot spring pools with adjustable water temperature and unlimited soaking times, very kid-friendly~ · Thoughtful Details: Rooms are equipped with family bathrobes, wet slippers, hot spring herbal bags, mini bars, and more, full of details to ensure a comfortable stay for the whole family~ · Family Activities: ✔️ Huazong Western Restaurant: Baking experience daily from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, where kids can DIY cookies, enhancing their hands-on skills and having lots of fun~ ✔️ Deer Wild Wonderland: Get close to sika deer, alpacas, rabbits, and other small animals. There is a small animal meet-and-greet daily from 9:00 AM to 9:20 AM. For just 10 yuan, you can buy carrots to feed them, which kids love~ · Dining Recommendations: ✔️ Daye Sea: Offers authentic new Shaanxi cuisine and breakfast, with rich nutrition~ ✔️ Huji Tavern: Combines Silk Road cuisine, specializing in Northwest and Shaanxi dishes with unique flavors~ ✔️ Town Canteen: Provides breakfast buffet during high occupancy, with good taste~ ✔️ Tangye Milk Tea: A trendy Chinese-style milk tea shop, great for photos and with delicious milk tea~ ♨️ Resili Hot Spring Hotel (free experience with the electronic voucher from Shitang Huazong): · Hot Spring Facilities: Over 30 outdoor pools, indoor hot spring pools, children’s bubble pools, infinity pool, plus sauna, book bar, rest area, and children’s playground, allowing kids to play all day long~ · Special Activities: Night ceremony daily at 6:00 PM, Tang dance performances, and you can feed flocks of ducks and koi fish on site, creating a lively atmosphere~ · Experience Time: After checking out from Shitang Huazong at noon, you can take the electronic voucher and walk just 5 minutes to Resili, enjoying the facilities until closing time (10:00 AM–10:00 PM)~

Hey everyone! The May Day holiday is just around the corner, and Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, is about to become the hottest travel destination again! But if you visit Xi'an without proper planning or ignoring advice, you might regret it big time! Today, I'm sharing a comprehensive guide to avoiding pitfalls and enjoying a perfect 3-day trip in Xi'an. Follow this plan to explore Xi'an effortlessly and maximize your experience! Avoiding Pitfalls: Don't Let Mistakes Ruin Your Trip Tickets: Popular attractions in Xi'an, such as the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang and the Shaanxi History Museum, are incredibly hard to get into! Without advance reservations, you might find yourself stuck outside while others enjoy the sights. Be sure to book tickets through official channels in advance! Hotels: During the May Day holiday, hotel prices in Xi'an skyrocket, often costing hundreds more than in the off-season. If you don't book early, you might face the dilemma of having no place to stay, dragging your luggage around in search of accommodation, and ruining your travel mood. Transportation: Whether it's flights or high-speed train tickets, prices surge as May Day approaches, and tickets often sell out. For those driving, parking near attractions can be a nightmare. Plan your transportation in advance—book tickets or rent a car as needed to avoid travel disruptions. Car Services: Xi'an's popular attractions are spread out, and during May Day, getting a taxi can be a real challenge, with long queues testing your patience. Without pre-booking car services, you might waste a lot of time waiting for rides between attractions. Stunning 3-Day Itinerary: Immerse Yourself in Xi'an's Charm DAY 1: Arrival in Xi'an, Free Exploration of the Ancient City Welcome to Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties! Upon arrival, a convenient airport transfer will take you to your hotel for check-in and rest. This day is all about free exploration! I recommend visiting the Forest of Stone Steles Museum and Shuyuanmen Street. The pedestrian street from the museum to the entrance of Guanzhong Academy is steeped in cultural atmosphere. Guanzhong Academy is one of China's four famous academies. Stroll here to feel the weight of history. When you're tired, head to Defu Alley on South Street and Fen Lane, known for its "coffee and tea houses." Whether you prefer quiet or lively, traditional or modern, you'll find a spot to relax. Order a drink and soak in the vibrant nightlife of the ancient city—it's pure bliss! DAY 2: Discover Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple, Relive History After breakfast, take a 1.5-hour drive to Qian County. Visit Hanyangling Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Jing of Han, a pioneer of the "Rule of Wen and Jing" era. This high-tech preserved imperial tomb is a "museum of Chinese imperial tombs." Then, explore Maoling Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Wu of Han, known as "China's Pyramid" for its grandeur and rich burial artifacts. In Qian County, visit the Tomb of Crown Prince Yide or the Tomb of Princess Yongtai, both auxiliary tombs of Qianling Mausoleum. Their exquisite murals and artifacts tell stories of past glories. Next, explore the unique joint tomb of two emperors, Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian, at Qianling Mausoleum. Standing before Qianling, you can almost feel the grandeur of that era. Then, head to Famen Temple in Fufeng County, Baoji City, known as the "ancestor of pagoda temples in Guanzhong." Here, you can pay homage to the Buddha's finger bone relic and admire the exquisite treasures of the Tang Dynasty. Note that the relic is only displayed on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month and during national holidays. DAY 3: Huaqing Palace, Terracotta Warriors, and Tang Paradise: A Feast of Ancient and Modern After breakfast, visit Huaqing Palace and Lishan Mountain in Lintong. This site combines ancient royal hot spring gardens with the modern historical site of the Xi'an Incident. Imagine the romantic stories of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei as you explore this scenic spot. The highlight of the trip is here! Visit the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Witness the massive underground military museum that has stood for over 2,000 years—one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history! Finally, head to the popular Tang Paradise. This area features lively parades and street performances. Don't miss the South and North Squares of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Dayuecheng Mall. Stroll through the brightly lit streets, feeling as if you've traveled back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Take photos and capture these unforgettable moments. Follow this guide for your May Day trip to Xi'an to avoid all the pitfalls, deeply experience the charm of the ancient capital, and create unforgettable travel memories! Save this guide, pack your bags, and get ready to go!

Famen Cultural Scenic Area is a sacred place that combines history, culture, and religious charm. Stepping into this area feels like being transported through a river of millennia. At the heart of the scenic area lies Famen Temple, a renowned Buddhist holy site that houses the Buddha's finger relic, making it a sanctuary for countless devotees and history and culture enthusiasts. Upon first sight of Famen Temple, the grand mountain gate and solemn architectural complex come into view, exuding an imposing yet serene aura. As the melodious bell tolls, entering the main hall brings a wave of solemnity. The towering Buddha statues and swirling incense create an atmosphere that instantly calms the mind, allowing one to experience inner peace and tranquility. The most awe-inspiring sight is the Buddha's finger relic in the underground palace of Famen Temple. Gazing at this precious Buddhist artifact through crystal glass evokes boundless reverence and emotion. For centuries, it has silently witnessed the changes of history and carried the devout faith of people in Buddhism. Pausing here feels like having a spiritual dialogue with ancient beliefs. Famen Cultural Scenic Area is not only a symbol of religious faith but also a treasure trove for understanding Chinese history and Buddhist culture. The temple's museum houses numerous precious artifacts and relic offerings, showcasing the splendor of the Tang Dynasty and the prosperity of Buddhist culture. Walking through the scenic area is both a cultural exploration and a journey of spiritual purification. If you seek inner peace and wisdom or have a deep interest in history and culture, Famen Cultural Scenic Area is undoubtedly a place worth exploring in depth. Every brick, every scripture here seems to tell the story of millennia of Buddhist connections and cultural accumulation.

After you turn 50, what do you most dread about traveling? Long transfers, lines, and changing hotels every day. No matter how beautiful the scenery, one exhausting trip is enough. These eight places move at a slow pace, have easy routes, and enduring scenery, making them perfect for slowing down and staying a few days. 01 Shigatse | Tibet Don't rush straight to the Everest base camp—the altitude is very high and altitude sickness is likely. Use Shigatse city as your base and stay 2 nights to acclimatize. 📍 Tashilhunpo Monastery is worth spending a whole morning exploring slowly. The circumambulation path is gentle—walk clockwise with the locals and feel the sun warm your back. Don't plan much for the afternoon; return to your hotel for sweet tea and cloud‑watching. If you really have good stamina, hire a car the next day to Everest base camp, but remember the scenery along the way is often more memorable than the destination. ⚠️ Don't sleep above 5,000 m. Staying in Dingri County is safer. 🚄 There's a high‑speed train from Lhasa to Shigatse that takes 2.5 hours, much more comfortable than by car. 02 Zhumadian | Henan Many people think there's nothing to see in Zhumadian—they just haven't gone to the right spots. Chiya Mountain's biggest advantage is well‑built paths and gentle steps; it's not high, and a slow 2‑hour climb gets you to the top. ⏰ Before 8:00 AM there are few people, the air is cool, and you can hear birdsong. Laoleshan is windy; after 3:00–4:00 PM the wind picks up and it feels much colder, so bring a light jacket if you get chilly. 🍜 At the farmhouse restaurants below the mountain try the clay‑pot chicken and dip the flatbread in the broth—it's fragrant. This area suits travelers not in a hurry: hike in the morning, nap under the trees in the afternoon, and sleep early. 2 days and 1 night is just right. 03 Taizhou | Jiangsu Taizhou is a city I love privately; its pace is slower than you'd expect from Jiangsu. Qinhu Wetland Park is large, but you don't need to see it all—take a boat through the highlights. The boat slips through reeds, waterbirds skim overhead, and the air smells of aquatic plants. ⏰ The light is best after 3:00 PM, when the lake shimmers gold and photos need no filter. 📍 Walk 500 m north from the park and you'll find a small restaurant selling Qinhu specialties; fish balls and shrimp balls are made to order and are fresh and springy. ⚠️ Don't ride the electric shuttle for the whole route—get off and walk a stretch of boardwalk in the middle, or you'll miss the best part. Taizhou is good for a one‑night stay; go to the old street at night for a bowl of fish‑soup noodles—the broth is milky and rich, very satisfying. 04 Guyuan | Ningxia Guyuan is a great summer getaway; it's several degrees cooler than the surroundings. Xumishan grottoes are less famous than Dunhuang, but the advantage is peace and quiet. Walk slowly along the boardwalk and look at the Buddha images on the cliff faces; the wind brings the dry scent of grass and wood. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM—slanting light makes the Buddha faces especially clear. 📍 There is an apricot grove below the mountain. In mid‑July the apricots ripen and locals sell them by the roadside—CNY 5 a bag, tart and sweet and thirst‑quenching. ⚠️ Some steps in the scenic area are quite steep; if your knees are bad, don't force yourself past the main grotto. Guyuan city is not large—CNY 10 can take you halfway across town by taxi—so it's suitable to stay 2 nights and explore slowly. 05 Yushu Tibetan autonomous prefecture | Qinghai Yushu is high in altitude, but the appeal of Hoh Xil and Sanjiangyuan National Park is unique. Hoh Xil is not for hiking in—drive along the road, and if you're lucky you may see Tibetan antelope and wild asses. ⚠️ Don't get out of the car to chase animals—you'll be out of breath after a few steps at altitude, and disturbing wildlife is inappropriate. In Sanjiangyuan National Park, the braided streams at the headwaters of the Yangtze glitter like silver ribbons in the sun; it's so quiet you can hear your heartbeat. ⏰ After 6:00 PM the light softens and the snowy peaks turn pale pink—it's a beauty your phone can't capture even one‑tenth of. Altitude sickness is the biggest hurdle—stay one night in Yushu city before ascending; don't go straight to high altitude. This area is not ideal for first‑time visitors to the Tibetan plateau, but if you've been before, it's worth it. 06 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is an underrated city—Mount Taibai and Famen Temple are heavyweight attractions, but you can see them separately. On Mount Taibai take the cable car up and walk a short way to Tianyuan Difang; at over 3,000 m the views are expansive. ⏰ In early October the mountains turn red with leaves and firs, creating rich color layers. The Famen Temple Buddhist cultural area is large, but focus on the reliquary pagoda and the artifacts excavated from the underground palace—don't waste time in the commercial street. Guanshan grassland is best in summer; the rolling meadows and scattered grazing sheep and cattle feel like a slice of Inner Mongolia pasted onto Shaanxi. ⚠️ Dongshan is windy and often foggy in the afternoon—go in the morning. Baoji's mianpi and hand‑rolled noodles are authentic—you won't go wrong walking into an old shop. 4 days and 3 nights is suitable; it's a 40‑minute high‑speed train ride from Xi'an. 07 Chengdu | Sichuan Chengdu needs no introduction, but there are ways to travel it when you're 50. At Qingcheng Mountain choose the Front Mountain—gentle paths and many trees, Taoist temples tucked in the woods; walk a bit, rest a bit, and it's not tiring. Hire a guide for Dujiangyan—you won't understand the ingenuity of the Fish Mouth and Feisha weir without one. ⏰ See Dujiangyan in the morning and Qingcheng Mountain in the afternoon—that's the most convenient order. Anren Ancient Town is far quieter than Kuanzhai Alley; the courtyards of the old mansions are perfect for sitting and sipping tea while daydreaming. For the best panda viewing, go early to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding—before 9:00 AM pandas are eating bamboo. After that, they mostly nap. 🍜 Find a hole‑in‑the‑wall eatery in the city and order twice‑cooked pork and douhua, with a bowl of rice—the flavor beats chain restaurants by tenfold. Chengdu is best enjoyed slowly; a week won't feel too long. 08 Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture | Hunan Fenghuang Ancient Town is famous, but avoid holidays—the crowds ruin the experience. On a weekday wake at 6:00 AM when the mist hasn't lifted yet; the sound of the Tuojiang River mixes with clothes‑beating, and that's the border town Shen Congwen wrote about. Dehang Grand Canyon is not far from Fenghuang—waterfalls plunge straight down the cliffs, mist hits your face, and it's refreshingly cool. Shibadong is now easier to reach, but the Miao villages still have living local life—grandmas sell freshly roasted glutinous rice cakes by the roadside, crispy outside and chewy inside. 📍 Aizhai Bridge is worth seeing—the deck spans the canyon above a deep gorge; standing on the viewing platform can make your legs feel weak, but the views are stunning. ⚠️ Riverside guesthouses in Fenghuang are expensive and noisy—choose one in the alleys for cheaper, quieter nights. Xiangxi is good for 3 days and 2 nights—stay one night in Fenghuang and one on the Aizhai side.

Uncrowded, affordable, kids have a blast, and parents don't suffer Yinchuan, Ningxia Row a small boat at Mingcui Lake before 9:00 AM to see egrets, take the educational route at Helan Mountain Rock Art (wear non-slip shoes), ride the boat/mule cart/tractor at Shuidonggou for non-stop fun for the kids, and eat creative ice cream at the Western Xia Imperial Tombs. Stay near the Drum Tower and eat lamb noodles for just over 10 yuan. Nanping, Wuyishan Ride the Nine-Bend Stream bamboo raft before 10:00 AM to feed the fish, visit the free specimen museum at Wuyigong, and take the gentle back trail at Tianyou Peak. Stay in the Sangu Resort area, eat the non-spicy version of Langgu smoked goose, and think twice about taking kids under 3 to "Impression Da Hong Pao." Zhoukou, Henan Take the sightseeing car at Fuxi Mausoleum to tour in reverse and let the kids hang red prayer ribbons; buy a 10-yuan sugar painting at the entrance of Taiqing Palace. Stay in the old town, enjoy 5-yuan spicy soup with fried dough, and soak up the local atmosphere. Guangzhou Visit Canton Tower on a weekday evening to watch the sunset, rent a 15-yuan audio guide at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and enter Baiyun Mountain through the West Gate to eat 5-yuan tofu pudding. Buy tickets for Chimelong online 1 day in advance and stay along Metro Line 5. Diqing, Yunnan Spend the first day just acclimating to the altitude in Dukezong Ancient Town, photograph the golden roof of Songzanlin Monastery before 9:00 AM, and charter a car to drive around Napa Lake to see yaks. If the kids get altitude sickness, just buy 20-yuan glucose; don't try to tough it out. Baoji, Shaanxi Take the cable car to Xiabansi at Taibai Mountain and then head back, go horseback riding and grass sliding at Guanshan Grassland (wear a hat with a chin strap), and definitely take the electric cart at Famen Temple. Eat 5-yuan cold skin noodles in the city. Enshi Take the cable car at the Grand Canyon and head back halfway, watch the Baishou dance performance at the Tusi City, and listen to the boatmen's chants at Shennong Stream. Stay in the city and eat the kids' favorite cured meat rice. Taizhou, Jiangsu Arrive at Qin Lake early to feed the black swans and rent a sculling boat for a leisurely ride, and eat 3-yuan freshly baked flatbread in Qintong Ancient Town. Skip the old zoo and stay in Jiangyan Old Street for morning tea.

Where to go for a summer getaway in August? These 8️⃣ places have fewer crowds and beautiful scenery 01 Haidong | Qinghai Huzhu Tu Nationality Hometown Park is worth spending a good half-day. The patterns of Tu embroidery are intricate and require great skill. In the park, local women will teach you how to ride the "wheel swing." Keep your feet steady and push off; otherwise, it's easy to wobble. For lunch, eat a "dog-pissing" pancake in the park—the name is rough, but the taste is delicious. Pair it with a bowl of boiled tea to cut the grease. In the afternoon, drive to Youning Temple. The mountain road has many curves, so drive slowly. There is an old bodhi tree at the temple entrance, and the breeze under it is so cool it doesn't feel like August. ⚠️ Take off your shoes when entering the main hall; remember to wear socks that are easy to take off. ⏰ After 6:00 PM, the tourists disperse, and the prayer flags rustle in the wind. That is the quietest time. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi Taibai Mountain is a hardcore summer getaway. Don't wear shorts up the mountain; it might be 30°C at the base, but only 12°C near Daye Lake. Take the cable car to Tianyuandifang, then walk a bit further along the wooden boardwalk, and you'll see the sea of clouds right beneath your feet. Don't rush to leave after coming down the mountain. Famen Temple Scenic Area and Taibai Mountain are not on the same route, so it's recommended to split them into two days. If you only have one day, I recommend Guanshan Grassland—it's a two-hour drive from downtown Baoji. The grassy slopes are full of horses and cattle, and the evening light dyes the grass gold. It looks like a Windows desktop background no matter how you take the photo. Stay in a yurt at night; remember to book in advance, as they fill up easily on August weekends. 🍜 Lamb paomo in Long County is half the price of the one in the scenic area, and the portion is larger. "Frozen mountain wind" sounds cool, but it's actually a local summer night breeze. It makes you shiver in the evening on the grassland, so bringing a windbreaker is worth it. 03 Qiannan | Guizhou Libo Zhangjiang is the ceiling of water play in August, bar none. The water is a translucent blue-green, as if Jiuzhaigou had been moved to Guizhou. Before 8:00 AM, there are few people at Wolongtan, and the water surface is as still as a mirror, with reflections clearer than the real scenery. Then, follow the boardwalk to Cuigu Waterfall; the water mist hits your face, giving you a refreshing jolt. If you have children, the Water Forest section is the most fun. The stream only reaches your ankles, so you can walk on the stones, and both adults and children can play in the water. 🛶 Rafting requires a 40-minute wait, but it's worth it. The whole trip takes over an hour, and the drop is not large, making it suitable for the whole family. ⚠️ After 3:00 PM, tour groups flood in, and the experience drops sharply. Try to finish the core route in the morning. Buy tickets and sightseeing bus tickets separately; don't miss either. 04 Yichun | Heilongjiang Tangwanghe Forest Sea and Strange Stones is the kind of place where you'll regret not coming sooner. Entering the forest in August, the temperature drops directly to around 20°C, and the air is full of the scent of pine resin. Walk and stop in the stone forest area. There is a "sky slit" between two giant rocks that you can only pass through by turning sideways; if you're a bit overweight, it's tricky. Climbing to the observation deck at the top, you can see the entire forest sea, with green waves spreading to the horizon. At that moment, you'll feel that the name "Forest Capital" is well-deserved. 🍄 You can find mushrooms in the forest area, but don't eat them randomly; just take a photo. There are dried blueberries for sale outside the scenic area, which are cheaper than in the city, so you can buy a couple of bags. ⏰ Before 10:00 AM, the mist hasn't dispersed, and the forest is like a fairyland; it becomes ordinary after noon. It takes an hour and a half from downtown Yichun, so chartering a car is the most worry-free option. 05 Zhangjiajie | Hunan Wulingyuan and Tianmen Mountain are two different ways to play; don't mix them on the same day, or your legs will be ruined. Leave at least one full day for Wulingyuan. See the Southern Sky Column in Yuanjiajie—that's the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. It's even more dreamy in the fog. Only walk half of Golden Whip Stream; walking the whole thing takes 4–5 hours, and your knees won't be able to take it. In the afternoon, take the Bailong Elevator up; the elevator shoots straight into the clouds, and your heart will jump into your throat. Go to Tianmen Mountain the next day. The cable car ride takes 30 minutes, and the winding mountain road, which looks like intestines, is right under your feet. There are 999 steps to Tianmen Cave. I was panting halfway up; if your stamina is average, take the escalator, don't push yourself. 🍜 Grilled sausages in the scenic area are CNY 10 each, while they are CNY 5 at the foot of the mountain. Bring some dry food yourself. ⚠️ The glass skywalk requires a CNY 5 rental fee for shoe covers, and there is a 30-minute wait. If you are afraid of heights, skipping it is no loss. 06 Shantou | Guangdong Go to Nanao Island in August mainly to see the sea and eat seafood. To enter the island, take the Nanao Bridge; the toll is CNY 96, and traffic jams can last an hour on holidays, so try to avoid weekends. The coastal road around the island is covered with bougainvillea, and the colors are incredibly vibrant. The "Gate of Nature" at the Tropic of Cancer Square is suitable for taking check-in photos, but the real fun is Qing'ao Bay—the beach is flat, the waves are not big, and it's perfect for swimming in the afternoon. In the evening, go to Yun'ao Fishing Port. Fishing boats dock, and you can buy freshly caught mantis shrimp and flower crabs directly at the pier. Small shops nearby will process them for you for CNY 15 per jin. 🍜 You must try the oyster omelet for a late-night snack; the shell is crispy and the inside is tender. Eat it with fish sauce. ⚠️ Accommodation on the island has a high premium. Book two weeks in advance, otherwise, you'll only be able to stay in a farmhouse. 07 Handan | Hebei Guangfu Ancient City is one of the least commercialized ancient cities I have ever seen. The city wall is an old relic from the Ming Dynasty. It takes 40 minutes to walk around it, and it's windy up there, which keeps you refreshed. The main street in the city is not long, and it's full of old residents, with the scent of crispy fish wafting from the stalls. For lunch, eat crispy fish with liangpi in the city; the fish bones are stewed until crispy, so you can chew them directly. In the afternoon, go to Wahuang Palace, a hanging temple built on a cliff; it looks precarious just by looking at it. The stairs are narrow and steep, so if you have elderly people or children with you, climb slowly. ⏰ Wahuang Palace stops admission at 4:00 PM, so don't arrive right at the deadline. ⚠️ Some tricycle drivers in the ancient city will take you to visit "old houses" and ask for a guide fee as soon as you enter. Don't follow them. 🚄 It takes about 50 minutes to take a taxi from Handan East Station to the ancient city, and a ride-sharing service is more cost-effective. 08 Chongzuo | Guangxi Detian Transnational Waterfall is a place you can't miss in August. The water volume is so large that you can feel the water vapor from hundreds of meters away. Opposite the waterfall is Vietnam, and you can see the border outpost on the opposite mountain. Take a bamboo raft to the bottom of the waterfall, and the water mist will smash into your face; it's more effective than air conditioning. 📸 The best shooting position is on the third-floor observation deck, where you can photograph both the waterfall and the China-Vietnam boundary marker. In the afternoon, go to Mingshi Scenic Area and take a bamboo raft through the green water. On both sides are phoenix-tail bamboo and rice fields, like walking into an ink wash painting. 🍜 The Vietnamese baguette sold at the entrance of the scenic area is stuffed with roast meat and pickled radish. It costs CNY 15 each and is more reliable than many restaurant offerings. ⚠️ You need to book Detian Waterfall in advance; you can't buy tickets on-site during peak season. It takes two hours from downtown Chongzuo, so it's best to charter a car. The scenery along the way is no less beautiful than the scenic area.

01 Sanya | Hainan Flying to Sanya in August and September costs less than half the price of Spring Festival tickets. There are many guesthouses near Dadonghai for 80–120 per night per person, close to the sea where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves. Visit Daxiaodongtian during the day. Tickets cost about 80 yuan. Don’t buy the electric cart ticket; walking along the coastal boardwalk for half an hour lets you see the sea erosion formations. The 40 yuan saved is enough for a bowl of qingbuliang. Wuzhizhou Island tickets plus ferry cost about 150 yuan. ⚠️ After 3 PM, fewer people go to the island, so no need to wait in line for photos, but the last ferry leaves at 5 PM, so don’t stay too long. Tianya Haijiao is not worth buying a combo ticket; just see the famous rock at the entrance and save your time for Yalong Bay. Yalong Bay is free, with fine white sand. After 6 PM, the light is soft. 📍 Enter from the Underwater World entrance and walk 300 meters west for the fewest people. 🍜 At night, go to the First Market, pick your own seafood, and have it cooked. For 60 per person, you can eat your fill. Remember to use sunscreen. UV rays are strong at noon. Avoid sunbathing on the beach from 2 PM to 4 PM. 02 Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture | Jilin Prices in Yanji will make you wonder if you’re in the right place. The Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Area ticket costs about 100 yuan, but it’s large enough to explore for half a day. It’s best to enter at 8 AM, see the Golden Ding Buddha first, then hike the trail up the mountain. The whole trip takes about two hours. ⏰ Descend before 11 AM to return to the city for lunch. Yanji’s cold noodles, barbecue, and rice sausage are all worth trying. You can eat well for 40–70 per person. Stay near Yanbian University and visit the university town night market at night for skewers, fish cakes, and stir-fried rice cakes. 🚄 A taxi from Yanji West Station to the city costs about 15 yuan. Avoid unlicensed taxis. ⚠️ Don’t buy incense at the Liuding Mountain entrance; prices are inflated. If you only have one day, visit Liuding Mountain in the morning, explore the city and eat in the afternoon, and finish at the night market. The mountain is cool this season, with big temperature differences between morning and night. Bring a light jacket. 03 Xiangtan | Hunan Many people visit Xiangtan for one thing: the waterfall. Caojia’ao Waterfall is hidden in the mountains. After navigating to the foot of the mountain, it’s a 20-minute hike to reach it. Admission is free. ⏰ The day after rain has the most water, with mist and a refreshing coolness. Avoid wearing slippers because the stone steps are slippery. After the waterfall, visit Shaoshan Tourist Area in the afternoon. Tickets are free but require advance reservation via the official account. ⚠️ It’s closed on Mondays, so don’t go for nothing. There are sightseeing buses inside for 20 yuan per person, but walking takes about 20 minutes, so save money if you can. 🍜 Have Mao family cuisine outside the scenic area for lunch. Braised pork and fire-roasted fish are specialties. Expect to spend about 50 per person. Stay in Xiangtan city. Hotels just over 100 yuan offer good conditions. At night, go to the Jianshe Road intersection for late-night snacks and enjoy a bowl of noodles. Xiangtan is hot and humid this season, but the mountains are cool and good for escaping the heat. If your budget is tight, you can finish in one day. Round-trip transportation and meals cost about 300 yuan. 04 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is an underrated city in northwest China. Taibai Mountain tickets cost about 100 yuan, and sightseeing buses are 60 yuan round trip. It’s best to take the bus to 2,800 meters elevation and then hike a bit. It’s cold on the mountain, so wear a windbreaker even in August and September. You can rent a coat for 30 yuan at the foot of the mountain. Don’t buy hot drinks at the summit; they’re expensive. If you’re worried about altitude sickness, buy two cans of oxygen in the city for 15 yuan each. Famen Temple Buddhist Cultural Scenic Area tickets cost about 90 yuan. The He Shi Relic Pagoda is impressive, but the area is commercialized, so don’t buy souvenirs. Guanshan Grassland tickets cost 60 yuan. It’s best for self-driving. Horse riding on the grassland costs 50 yuan per round but can be bargained down to 40. 🍜 Food in the city is cheap. A bowl of hand-rolled noodles costs 6 yuan, and roujiamo costs 8 yuan. You can eat your fill for 30 yuan per person. Stay near the train station for easy access to attractions. Budget hotels cost 120 per night. The frozen mountain wind is perfect this season, cool and strong, with beautiful sunsets in the evening. Baoji’s overall cost is low. Three days and two nights including transportation costs about 1,500 yuan. 05 Fangchenggang | Guangxi Fangchenggang is a coastal city that hasn’t been fully developed yet, with very affordable prices. Entry to Leshan Ancient Fishing Village is free. The old houses and tidal flats in the village have a lot of character. ⏰ Go tide hunting at 6 AM to find small crabs and shells. Local fishermen will teach you how to read the tide table. In the afternoon, visit Fangchenggang Beach. The beach is free, and there are far fewer people than Beihai. Rent a sun umbrella and two chairs for 50 yuan to relax all afternoon. 🍜 At night, eat seafood in the port area. Flower crabs cost 30 yuan per jin, mantis shrimp 25 yuan, and processing fees are 10 yuan per dish. For 60 yuan per person, you can have a hearty meal. Stay in the port area. Sea view rooms cost just over 100 yuan per person. ⚠️ Don’t buy pearl jewelry at the scenic area entrance; most are fake. 🚄 It takes about 1.5 hours by high-speed train from Nanning, with tickets around 70 yuan. The sea breeze is cool this season, much more comfortable than inland cities. A three-day, two-night budget of 1,200 yuan lets you enjoy your trip comfortably. 06 Guangzhou | Guangdong Guangzhou is good for budget travel because food and accommodation can be kept very affordable. Tickets to the Canton Tower cost 150 yuan, but it’s better to go to Huacheng Square for a panoramic view, which is free and has better night views. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall tickets cost 10 yuan. It’s a valuable Lingnan architectural site with detailed brick and wood carvings. ⏰ After 3 PM, there are fewer tourists. Baiyun Mountain tickets cost 5 yuan. The cable car one way is 25 yuan. If you’re fit, hike up in an hour to see the Guangzhou cityscape from the top. Chimelong Tourist Resort tickets are expensive and not recommended for small budgets unless you really want to go. 🍜 Food in Guangzhou is reliable. Yinji rice rolls, Dian Du De, and Tao Tao Ju are all good. Expect to spend 30–50 per person. Stay in Yuexiu District. Guesthouses in the old city cost 80 per night, and the subway makes it easy to get around. ⚠️ The Shangxiajiu pedestrian street is expensive and average. Don’t buy food there. Baohua Road and Xihua Road are where locals go for food. Three days and two nights with 800 per person lets you eat well and have fun. 07 Wenzhou | Zhejiang Wenzhou’s high-speed rail station is far from the city, but buses and light rail are convenient. Don’t take taxis; they’re expensive. The Yandang Mountain scenic area combo ticket costs about 120 yuan, covering Lingfeng, Lingyan, and Dalongqiu. ⏰ It’s best to visit Dalongqiu waterfall early in the morning when the water flow is strongest, then return to Lingyan for the flying crossing show, and in the afternoon visit Lingfeng to see the strange rocks. There are shuttle buses between scenic spots for 10 yuan per person. Avoid unlicensed taxis. 🍜 Wenzhou fish ball soup and glutinous rice are specialties. Any old street alley restaurant in the city is good, with 20 yuan per person. Liu Bowen’s hometown in Wencheng County is free to visit. The ancient houses and ancestral halls are well preserved, perfect for culture lovers. Stay near Wuma Street in the city. Established hotels cost about 200 yuan, and guesthouses for 150 yuan offer good options. ⚠️ Water sold on Yandang Mountain is twice as expensive, so bring two bottles. Wenzhou’s cost is not low, but if you control transportation between attractions, 1,200 per person for three days and two nights is doable. 08 Leshan | Sichuan Leshan is the last place I want to mention because it’s perfect for a small budget. Emei Mountain tickets plus sightseeing bus cost about 160 yuan. If you only visit Baoguo Temple and Fuhu Temple at the foot of the mountain, it’s free. To see the sunrise at the Golden Summit, stay at Leidongping halfway up the mountain. Beds cost 80 per night. Get up at 4:30 AM and hike for an hour to watch the sunrise. Leshan Giant Buddha tickets cost 80 yuan. ⚠️ In peak season, the queue to go down the plank road can take over two hours. It’s best to arrive at 8 AM when the park opens, go down the plank road first to see the full view of the Buddha, then slowly explore Lingyun Temple. 🍜 Leshan food is cheaper than Chengdu. Qiaojiao beef costs 40 per person, bobo chicken 1 yuan per skewer, and half a sweet-skinned duck costs 30 yuan. You can eat without worry. Stay near Zhanggongqiao Food Street. Guesthouses cost just over 100 yuan, with food right downstairs. 🚄 The high-speed train from Chengdu to Leshan costs about 50 yuan and takes one hour direct. Three days and two nights including transportation cost about 900 yuan per person. The mountains are cool this season. The flatlands are a bit hot, but the riverside breeze at night is very comfortable.

Tired of the hustle and bustle of Xi'an? Hop on a high-speed train and escape to these quiet, lesser-known cities 🌿 Trip highlights ✨ ▪Weinan 🏞: Hancheng Ancient City features bustling Ming and Qing dynasty streets; Sima Qian Temple overlooks the Yellow River from the mountains, offering a deep dive into the Records of the Grand Historian; Qichuan Wetland is filled with reeds and is the birthplace of the Book of Songs; Xiyue Temple boasts grand red-walled ancient architecture, allowing you to experience the charm of Guanzhong without climbing Mount Hua. ▪Yuncheng ⚔: Xiezhou Guandi Temple, the grandest ancestor of all martial temples; Yongle Palace for stunning Yuan dynasty murals; Colorful Salt Lake for sunsets over the salt fields; Pujiu Temple with its ancient pagoda. Southern Shanxi is packed with national treasure-level ancient architecture, offering a peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds. ▪Lingbao 📜: Hangu Pass, the birthplace of the Tao Te Ching, with its imposing pass and canyons; Yawu Mountain offers serene forests, perfect for light hiking; Niangniang Mountain features canyons and flowing water, allowing you to experience the landscape of western Henan up close. ▪Baoji 🏺: Bronze Ware Museum, where you can find the earliest characters for "China"; Jintai Temple for a bird's-eye view of the old city; Zhougong Temple with its towering ancient cypresses. You can also visit Famen Temple to immerse yourself in the rich history of the Zhou and Qin dynasties. Itinerary planning: 3 days and 2 nights per city, no rushing between cities. Day 1: Arrive by high-speed train and settle in, stroll through the old city streets to get acclimated, and save your energy. Day 2: Visit key historical sites, return to your accommodation at noon to rest, avoid the sun, and head out again in the evening. Day 3: Explore niche spots at your own pace, sample local food, and head back leisurely according to your train schedule. Food recommendations 🍜 Weinan: Lamb soup, Shichen steamed buns; Yuncheng: Lamb stew with flatbread, Jishan twisted dough sticks; Lingbao: Roujiamo, cumin stir-fry; Baoji: Qishan saozi noodles, rolled cold noodles. Travel tips 💡 There is a significant temperature difference between day and night, so bring a light jacket and sun protection. Most museums and ancient temples are closed on Mondays; check opening hours before you go. Photography is prohibited inside Yongle Palace; there are many stone steps in the mountains, so wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. Some attractions are far apart, so plan your transportation in advance. You don't have to visit every single spot; immersing yourself in the history and local culture is more important. A short trip to slowly savor the thousand-year history along the Yellow River is the best experience.

If you want to spend less in August and September, don’t rush to book popular homestays. Staying near bus stops, subway stations, or scenic area shuttle lines is more practical than booking a room with a view. For intercity travel, choose early or late departures and leave daytime for sightseeing. 01 Chongqing Staying in Jiefangbei doesn’t always save money. If your budget is tight, consider areas near Lianglukou or Guanyinqiao, which have convenient subway access. Standard accommodations usually cost 150–260 yuan per night. Compare prices in advance for weekends. 🍜 Bayi Road food street is great for trying small noodles and spicy-sour rice noodles in one go. Don’t order large portions of everything. Dazu Rock Carvings and Wulong Karst tourist areas are in different directions. Don’t try to fit both into one day. 🚄 Dazu is suitable for a same-day round trip from Chongqing North Station. For Wulong, it’s better to stay one night in Xiannüshan Town to reduce round-trip car rental costs. Jinyun Mountain is cooler early in the morning. The Yangtze Three Gorges require several days, as ticket prices vary greatly by boat and cabin type. ⏰ In August, schedule outdoor activities before 9 AM or in the evening. Shuttle buses, cable cars, and cruises at scenic spots can increase your budget. Check if they are necessary before buying tickets. Prices and opening arrangements depend on the daily official announcements. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi If you want to hike, choose Taibai Mountain. For a relaxed visit, go to Famen Temple’s Buddhist culture site. Don’t try to visit both in one day. 📍 Stay near Baoji Station or Jing’er Road for more dining options and easy access to the bus station. Double rooms can be filtered by 120–220 yuan per night. Taibai Mountain has significant altitude changes. It’s hot at the base and cool at the top in August and September. ⏰ Taking an early bus up the mountain is more comfortable. Bring a light down jacket or windbreaker. Don’t just wear short sleeves to tough it out. Whether to take the cable car depends on your fitness level. Beginners shouldn’t push themselves just to save money. Guanshan Grassland is suitable for an overnight stay, but activities like horseback riding and grass sliding can quickly add up. ⚠️ Before heading to Dongshan Wind, check navigation points, weather, and road conditions. Calling a car last minute in remote areas is often more expensive. If carpooling, agree on costs in advance. 03 Anshun | Guizhou The most time-efficient way to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall is to enter the park early, explore less crowded areas first, then see the main waterfall. ⏰ August and September are humid, with soft morning light, but stone steps are slippery. Slip-resistant shoes are more important than photography gear. Longgong Cave is better saved for the next day. It’s cool inside, and boat rides can be delayed by queues. 📍 Stay near Anshun West Station for easy connections to high-speed rail and direct scenic area shuttles. No need to return to Guiyang every day. ⚠️ Buy raincoats at convenience stores in town if possible. Options at the scenic entrance are usually limited. Distances between Huangguoshu attractions are not short. Don’t assume you can walk everywhere. Tickets, shuttles, and reservation requirements depend on official daily announcements. 04 Shangrao | Jiangxi Sanqing Mountain, Wuyuan Jiangwan, Guifeng, and Huangling are in different directions. Trying to visit all four will only waste money on travel. 🚄 After arriving at Shangrao Station, hikers should prioritize Sanqing Mountain. If you prefer villages and traditional houses, put Wuyuan Jiangwan and Huangling on the same route. Sanqing Mountain is best for staying at the foot of the mountain and taking the early cable car. ⏰ Waiting for mist after rain is worthwhile, but don’t insist on the viewing platform during heavy fog. You won’t see the outline even if you wait an hour. Guifeng can be connected from Yiyang for a smoother itinerary. Weekend accommodation prices near Huangling tend to rise. If your budget is tight, stay in Wuyuan County. ⚠️ The autumn drying scenery varies with farming schedules and isn’t the same every day. Confirm cable car, ticket, and opening times before departure. 05 Dongying | Shandong The Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area is far from downtown. The biggest expense isn’t the ticket but last-minute taxis. 🚄 Stay near Dongying Station or East City Bus Station. Check the tourist shuttle in advance. If traveling with three or four people, consider sharing the cost of a private vehicle. ⏰ Birdwatching is best early morning. The sun is still strong in August and September afternoons, which can be tiring. Bring binoculars, water, and sun protection. Walk slowly along the boardwalk, stay on open routes, and don’t feed the birds. 📍 For dining downtown, try Jiaozhou Road for Yellow River crabs and Lijin pan-fried buns. Ask for seafood prices by weight and confirm before ordering. If your budget is limited, don’t order large combo platters right away. 06 Lijiang | Yunnan Staying in the heart of Lijiang Old Town looks romantic, but dragging luggage over cobblestones is not. 📍 If your budget is tight, stay near Zhongyi Market or Beimenpo. You can walk into the old town. Standard guesthouses usually cost 130–260 yuan per night. Confirm vehicle access first. Yulong Snow Mountain requires advance booking. ⏰ Choose the morning session when weather and visibility are usually better. Entrance fees, cable cars, and shuttle services are charged separately. Don’t focus only on the lowest price. Whether you need oxygen depends on your condition. Don’t buy multiple bottles from roadside sellers. Black Dragon Pool Park is good for a morning walk. You can visit the Mu Mansion and Lijiang Old Town together. ⚠️ Low-priced photo packages in the old town often don’t specify clothing, film, or makeup details. Ask for a full breakdown before paying to avoid extra charges. 07 Nanchong | Sichuan Langzhong Old Town is best explored slowly. Don’t try to cram a dozen paid spots into one day. 📍 Center your stay around Zhongtian Tower. Walk to Huaguang Tower and the Jialing River. The streets and alleys themselves are worth exploring. Choose only one tower to visit since views are similar. No need to buy multiple tickets. ⏰ Visit courtyards in the morning and go to the Nanjiangguan Ancient Town area for the river view in the evening. If traveling with elderly or children, choose routes with fewer stairs. Staying on the edge of the old town is more convenient and quieter at night than deep alleys. 🍜 Try beef noodles, steamed buns, and vinegar-flavored snacks separately near North Street. Large souvenir sets are not practical to carry while traveling. Buy small portions first to taste, then decide if you want to take more. 08 Zhongwei | Ningxia If traveling alone, stay near Zhongwei Station or Gulou for convenient buses and dining. For groups, compare round-trip car rental costs to Shapotou. 🚄 Don’t just hail a car for the whole day after arrival. Ask if waiting, parking, and return fees are included. At Shapotou, visit the desert area in the morning and the waterfront area in the afternoon to save energy. ⏰ Sand temperatures are high at noon in August. September has more noticeable temperature differences between morning and evening. Bring sun protection, water, and a light jacket. Buy sand sliding and cable car tickets individually based on interest. Package tickets may not save money. Gaomiao and Bao’an Temples can be visited on foot from Gulou. 📍 For dinner, go to Shangcheng Lane for wormwood noodles and lamb snacks. Check prices first. Scenic area openings and desert activities may be affected by weather. Follow daily announcements. If I only have three or four days, I’d prioritize Anshun, Nanchong, or Zhongwei, where transportation and accommodation are easier to budget. The key to saving money in August and September isn’t skipping a meal but reducing long-distance travel, changing accommodations less, and avoiding buying unused package tickets.

Where to go for a summer road trip? These 8 places are uncrowded and beautiful 01 Changde | Hunan I’d call Changde the "air-conditioned room" of Hunan. Visit the Peach Blossom Spring Scenic Area in August, and the outside heat is instantly blocked out. 📍 Walk through the ancient cave in Qinren Village, and the temperature drops by several degrees. The sound of mountain springs follows you the whole way—better than car white noise. Enter the park before 8:00 AM while the mist hasn't cleared; a thin veil floats over Peach Blossom Creek, and you won't need filters for your photos. 🍜 Don't rush off at noon. Sit down at a Lei Cha (pounded tea) shop outside the scenic area. A bowl of Lei Cha with side dishes is savory, refreshing, and filling for about 30 yuan per person. ⚠️ The light slants after 3:00 PM, making it a great time to rest near Fangzhu Pavilion. Don't climb Peach Blossom Mountain at high noon; the stone steps get scorching hot. If you're bringing kids, remember to pack an extra set of dry clothes, as they'll likely get wet playing by the creek. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi A trip to Baoji lets you experience "ice and fire" in a single day. Head to Taibai Mountain in the morning. 🚄 Take the scenic shuttle from the visitor center to Honghuaping, then transfer to the cable car up to Tianyuan Difang. At an altitude of 3,500 meters, you'll still need a light jacket in August—the wind will give you goosebumps. ⏰ Don't dawdle on the way down; get to Famen Temple by 2:00 PM. The shade of the underground palace and the Namaste Dagoba is perfect for escaping the afternoon sun, but note that photography is prohibited inside the halls—put your phone away. Dedicate the second day to Guanshan Grassland. 📍 Driving there from Longxian County, the winding mountain roads might make you dizzy, but the moment you see the grassland, it's worth it. Remember to haggle for horseback riding; 120 yuan per loop is the standard rate. ⚠️ The place called "Frozen Mountain Wind" lives up to its name. The wind is strong enough to blow your hat off in the evening, so keep a warm jacket in your bag. 03 Guiyang | Guizhou Summer in Guiyang is the kind of cool that makes you forget air conditioning exists. Go to Tianhetan in the morning. 📍 The water in Wolongtan is a deep, blue-green. The temperature in the karst caves is a constant 17–18°C, so bring a sun-protective layer, or you'll be shivering after a while. When the sun is at its harshest at noon, hide in the stone-paved alleys of Qingyan Ancient Town. 🍜 The pig's trotters are tender, and a bowl of rose ice jelly will instantly wash away the heat. Head to Gaopo Yunding Grassland after 4:00 PM; the wind is strong enough to fly a kite without running, and cloud shadows race across the grass faster than a car. ⚠️ Huaxi Park is best visited in the evening. The golden light at 6:00 PM makes the reflections of the willow trees and stone bridges by the river ten times more beautiful than during the day. It's crowded on weekends, so Monday is the best time to go—parking is easier, too. 04 Pingliang | Gansu Pingliang is an underrated destination. Kongtong Mountain lets you completely escape a 38°C city. Enter from the East Gate at 7:00 AM and head up along the Chaotian Ladder. The stone steps are lined with century-old pine trees; when the wind blows, the sound of the pines drowns out the cicadas. 📍 Qipanling at Zhongtai is the best spot for photos, offering a view of the entire Jinghe River Valley. It looks like an ink wash painting when the morning mist hasn't cleared. ⏰ Rest near Zixiao Palace at noon and have a bowl of vegetarian noodles—10 yuan will fill you up. Head down the back mountain in the afternoon, with a stream following you the whole way and wildflowers everywhere. ⚠️ The cable car stops running at 5:00 PM. If you don't want to hike for two hours, you must reach the cable car station by 4:00 PM. There are many steps here, so it's not recommended for seniors with bad knees, but young people will feel completely refreshed after completing the route. 05 Linyi | Shandong This trip to Linyi is perfect for those who hate the heat but love to have fun. The Firefly Water Cave and the Underground Grand Canyon are connected. Go to the Grand Canyon in the morning. 📍 The underground river rafting section is chilly with splashing water, and the cave is a constant 18°C. You'll be cold in short sleeves, so it's worth renting a thin jacket at the entrance. Come out at noon to warm up in the sun, then head to the Firefly Water Cave in the afternoon. As you boat through the underground river, the starry glow of fireflies lights up the darkness overhead—at that moment, everyone holds their breath. ⚠️ Photography is prohibited in the firefly viewing area; phone flashes will disturb them. Climb Yimeng Mountain on the second day. ⏰ Get to Yingwo Peak before 9:00 AM for the best chance to see the sea of clouds. 🍜 The stewed chicken with mushrooms at the local farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain, served with pancakes rolled with green onions—eating this after a hike is pure comfort. 06 Shaoxing | Zhejiang Summer in Shaoxing is the coolness of a water town and the shade of its alleys. Lu Xun's Former Residence and Shen Garden are next to each other and can be visited in half a day. 📍 The soapberry tree in Baicao Garden is still there; standing in its shade, all the texts I read as a child come back to me. Visit Shen Garden in the afternoon; the pond reflects the rockeries, and the breeze blowing through the corridors is more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. Go to Lanting on the second day. ⏰ After 5:00 PM, the tourists disperse. Sit by the Goose Pond and daydream, watching the sunset turn the bamboo golden—that kind of tranquility is found nowhere else. Be sure to save Anchang Ancient Town for the evening. 📍 When the lanterns under the corridor sheds light up, the scent of stinky tofu and soy-sauce duck mingles in the air. Riding a black-awning boat through the bridge arches, the sound of the oars is full of coolness. ⚠️ Lu Xun's Former Residence is free but requires a reservation. It's closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. 07 Zhenjiang | Jiangsu Zhenjiang is a city with a pace so slow it makes you question time. I suggest splitting the tour of the three mountains—Jinshan, Jiaoshan, and Beigu Mountain—over two days. On the first morning, go to Jinshan. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8:00 AM and climb to the top of Cishou Pagoda. The entire city of Zhenjiang and the Yangtze River are at your feet, and the wind is strong enough to make your shirt flap loudly. Have a bowl of pot-lid noodles outside Jinshan Temple at noon. 🍜 The noodles are chewy, the broth is incredibly fresh, and you should choose the pork aspic topping—the standard way for locals to eat it. Go to Jiaoshan in the afternoon; you have to take a ferry to get there. The island is densely wooded and much cooler than the city center. Visit Beigu Mountain on the second day; you can finish touring it in half an hour, but the river view from Beigu Pavilion is worth standing for an extra ten minutes. ⚠️ Jurong Maoshan is 40 kilometers from the city center, a one-hour drive. The Taoist temple closes at 4:00 PM, so go early if you want to visit. The air at Maoshan is truly sweet and high in negative oxygen ions; take a few deep breaths, and your mind will feel clear. 08 Datong | Shanxi Summer in Datong has a temperature difference between day and night that lets you experience "two seasons in one day." You must go to the Yungang Grottoes early. ⏰ Be in the first group when it opens at 8:00 AM; the light slants onto the Buddha statues, making the smiles on their faces clearly visible. 📍 Standing at the foot of the open-air Great Buddha in Cave 20 and looking up, the impact is something a phone camera can't capture. When the sun is hot at noon, find a knife-cut noodle shop in the ancient city. 🍜 A bowl of noodles with a braised egg costs 20 yuan—cheaper and more authentic than what you'll find at the scenic area entrance. Go to the Hanging Temple in the afternoon. ⚠️ The lines are long, so I suggest going after 4:00 PM; the light is softer, and there are half as many people. Mount Heng (Northern Hengshan) is right next door; it takes two hours to climb, and it's windy at the top, so you'll need a jacket even in August. Datong is at a high altitude, so you don't need air conditioning to sleep at night—you'll even need a thin quilt. Southerners can't help but envy this summer retreat. Of these eight places, my personal favorites are Changde and Datong—one is ethereal, the other is hardcore. Which one do you plan to visit first? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll help you avoid any pitfalls.

01 Xinxiang | Henan When bringing kids to Xinxiang, don't rush to the scenic spots. First, find places to eat and rest. It's about a 40-minute taxi ride from the high-speed rail station to Baoquan Tourist Area; you can see the outline of the Taihang Mountains along the way. The trails at Baoquan are gently sloping, making it easy to push a stroller. There are pavilions and vending machines every so often along the way. Water is only two yuan more expensive than outside, but it's acceptable. Kids love the shallow water area; the water is just above ankle level, crystal clear, and you can walk right in wearing sandals—cool and safe. It's recommended to arrive before 10 am to avoid crowds, enjoy better lighting, and avoid waiting for photos. 🍜 For lunch, have a bowl of hand-pulled noodles at a farmhouse restaurant near the scenic area entrance. The noodles are chewy, and the broth is savory and delicious; the kids can easily finish a whole bowl. In the afternoon, head to Baligou. The journey isn't long, but there are many mountain roads, so give motion sickness medication to children beforehand. The waterfalls at Baligou are a highlight. ⏰ The mist is strongest after 3 PM; standing on the viewing platform, you can feel the fine water droplets splashing on your face, which will excite the children. ⚠️ Don't buy raincoats inside the scenic area; they're cheap (around 5 yuan) and of poor quality, tearing easily. It's more economical to bring your own. Descend the mountain in the evening and return to the city for the night. I recommend staying near Baolong Plaza; there are many dining options, and you can take the kids to the night market. 02 Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Haixi is more suitable for older children; younger children may not be able to handle altitude sickness. If your child is six years or older, head straight for Kunlun Mountain. Although the altitude is high, the snow-capped mountains and grasslands along the way are breathtaking. I recommend hiring a car rather than driving yourself, as unfamiliar road conditions can easily lead to accidents. The driver will carry oxygen cylinders, so you don't need to buy your own, but confirm with the driver beforehand. Choose between Chaka Salt Lake and Qarhan Salt Lake; I chose Qarhan. Chaka Salt Lake is very weather-dependent; strong winds will ruin the reflections. The green salt lake of Qarhan, on the other hand, is much more photogenic. ⏰ After 4 PM, the light softens, and the salt crystals shimmer like scattered diamonds in the sunlight. Emerald Lake is somewhere in between, so you can visit it along the way without needing to dedicate a whole day to it. ⚠️ The wind at the salt lake is incredibly strong; make sure your children wear windproof hats, or they'll get headaches. Choose accommodation in Golmud city center; hotels have oxygen rooms, ensuring a good night's sleep. 🍜 Don't go for trendy restaurants; just go to a local noodle shop. Lamb stew with garlic—the kids eat the noodles, you eat the meat—it'll be around 30 yuan per person. 🚄 Haixi Station is close to the city center, a 10-minute taxi ride; avoid unlicensed taxis. 03 Meizhou|Guangdong Meizhou was the most relaxing stop on this trip, bar none. Yannanfei Tea Plantation is like a large park; the greenways are gentle, and there's plenty of shade, so the kids can run around all day without getting tired. The ticket includes a sightseeing bus. Take the bus to the mountaintop first, then slowly walk down – it's less strenuous and more convenient. Osmanthus trees line the paths between the tea fields, blooming in late August with a rich fragrance. Your kids will ask, "Mom, what does this smell like?" and you can easily explain it to them. 🍜 The Hakka restaurants within the scenic area are excellent; the stuffed tofu and salt-baked chicken are authentic, averaging around 50 RMB per person, and the environment is clean. ⚠️ Don't buy tea at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive and the quality is mediocre. If you really want to buy tea, go to the tea shops in the old town. In the afternoon, visit Qiaoxi Ancient Village, not far from the tea fields. The alleyways in the ancient village are shady and perfect for strolling. ⏰ Return to the city around 5 pm and have a bowl of pickled noodles with Sanjidi soup in Jiangbei Old Street. Your kids will finish both the noodles and soup! For accommodation, I recommend the area near Ke Tianxia; the hotels are new, well-equipped, and offer a light show at night. 🚄 A taxi from Meizhou West Railway Station to the city center costs 20 yuan; avoid taking motorcycle taxis that solicit passengers. 04 Longnan | Gansu Longnan is an underrated summer resort, with temperatures several degrees lower than surrounding areas. Between Wenxian Tianchi and Guange Valley, I recommend only visiting Guange Valley. Tianchi is too far, with winding mountain roads that can cause motion sickness in children. Guange Valley has a more established boardwalk, taking about three hours to walk without getting tired. The water in the valley is turquoise and crystal clear; children will be tempted to take off their shoes and wade in the cool water, but the shallows are safe. ⏰ Enter the valley at 9 am; the light is perfect, and you can see small rainbows in the waterfall mist under the sunlight. There are vendors selling roasted potatoes at the entrance for 5 yuan each; the skin is crispy, sprinkled with chili powder—a novelty for children, and a snack for you too. ⚠️ Signal is weak inside the valley; download an offline map beforehand to avoid getting lost. In the afternoon, we returned to the city and visited Wanxiang Cave. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 16 degrees Celsius; a light jacket is necessary in summer. 🍜 For dinner, we had potato dumplings (yangyu jiaotuan), which tasted like glutinous rice, served with pickled cabbage soup. The kids enjoyed it. I recommend staying in Wudu District; it's convenient for dining, and there's a supermarket downstairs, making it easy to buy fruit and snacks. 05 Yichun|Jiangxi Mingyue Mountain in Yichun is suitable for the whole family. The cable car goes directly to the summit, so there's no need to climb. The Qingyun Plank Road at the top is flat, even suitable for strollers. The plank road is suspended on the cliff edge, but the railings are high, out of reach of children, ensuring safety. ⏰ We took the first cable car at 8 am. There were fewer people, and the mist hadn't yet dissipated; walking on the plank road felt like being in a fairyland. Moon Lake at the summit is very photogenic, with a thin mist floating on the water. Children might ask, "Is there Chang'e?" Just tell them a story. 🍜 After descending the mountain, head to Wentang Town for a foot bath. The hot spring water is natural and costs 40 yuan per person, half price for children. ⚠️ Don't buy water in the scenic area; the vending machines at the top are often out of stock, so bring your own two bottles. In the afternoon, stroll along Gujingquan Street. The street isn't long, but it has many snacks, including roasted glutinous rice cakes and rice cakes, which are suitable for children. For accommodation, I recommend the guesthouses in Wentang Town; many have private hot spring tubs, and the children sleep especially soundly after a bath at night. 🚄 A taxi from Yichun Station to Mingyue Mountain takes about half an hour. A shared ride costs 30 yuan per person, which is more cost-effective than hiring a car. 06 Changde|Hunan Changde's Taohuayuan (Peach Blossom Spring) sounds like a traditional Chinese place, but it's actually a very family-friendly spot. The scenic area is divided into two parts: Qin Valley and Taohuashan. For children, Qin Valley is sufficient. The terrain in the valley is flat, with streams winding around the paths, allowing children to play in the water without getting tired. 🍜 The Lei Cha (擂茶) shop at the entrance of the valley is a must-visit. A bowl of Lei Cha with fried rice and peanuts is savory, refreshing, and perfect for kids as a snack or for you as lunch. It costs around 20 RMB per person. ⏰ There's a live performance at 2 PM telling the story of Peach Blossom Spring. The performance is under the shade of trees, so it's not too hot, and kids will be engrossed. ⚠️ Don't take a bamboo raft ride inside the scenic area. The current is slow, and it's a waste of time. It's better to walk around and enjoy the scenery. In the evening, leave the scenic area and take a walk along the Yuan River. The river breeze is cool, and there's a night market along the riverbank where grilled fish and cold noodles are cheap. You can eat your fill for around 30 RMB per person. For accommodation, I recommend the area near Wuling Pavilion in the city center. There are many hotels, and you can also stroll along the pedestrian street in the evening. 🚄 A taxi from Changde Station to Peach Blossom Spring takes about 40 minutes. Sharing a ride is even cheaper. 07 Baoji|Shaanxi A trip to Baoji should be divided into two days. On the first day, we went to Taibai Mountain. We set off early, took the scenic area bus to the cable car station, and then took the cable car up the mountain. The Tianyuan Difang scenic spot on the mountain is at an altitude of 3,500 meters. If the children are energetic, they can walk along a section of the wooden boardwalk, but don't force them; altitude sickness is no joke. ⚠️ The temperature on the mountain is 10 degrees Celsius lower than at the foot of the mountain, so bring a light down jacket for the children. After descending the mountain, we went to Tangyu Town for hot springs. There are several hot springs at the foot of Taibai Mountain; choose one with a children's pool, as the water temperature is lower and safer for children to play in. 🍜 For dinner, we ate Qishan Saozi noodles in town. The sour and spicy flavor was appetizing, and the children ate small bowls. On the second day, we went to Famen Temple. The Buddhist cultural scenic area is large, but the paths are gentle, and you can rent electric bikes for transportation. The He Shi Relic Pagoda is magnificent; the children will exclaim "Wow!" upon seeing it. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM to avoid crowds. The sunlight shines on the pagoda, making it glitter like gold. In the afternoon, we went to Guanshan Grassland. The meadows were vast, and the children could run around freely. Horseback riding was 50 yuan per lap, and the children could ride whenever they wanted; the horse handlers were very steady. ⚠️ Be aware that there are many mosquitoes on the grassland, so bring mosquito repellent. 08 Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan Dali was the final stop of this trip. Slow down and don't rush through the sights. The rice paddies in Xizhou Ancient Town were lush and green at the end of August, and the wind made them look like ocean waves. The children would run endlessly along the paddy field ridges. The corner tower in the ancient town is a popular photo spot, but it's crowded. ⚠️ Don't go at noon; the light is harsh, and your face will look dark in photos. It's recommended to go after 5:30 pm, when the sunset casts a warm yellow glow on the walls of the Bai ethnic minority houses, making every photo postcard-perfect. At Chongsheng Temple's Three Pagodas, you only need to buy a ticket to enter; there's no need to take an electric vehicle. It's a ten-minute walk to the base of the pagodas, and the children can easily walk around and count the steps. Along the ecological corridor by Erhai Lake, rent a bicycle with a child seat and ride for a short distance; you don't need to ride the whole way. 🍜 For lunch, have spicy and sour fish near Caicun Wharf. The fish is from Erhai Lake, fresh and tender, served with potatoes and tofu. The kids can easily eat two bowls of rice. Choose accommodation near the South Gate of Dali Old Town for easy access to the old town at night, but avoid staying near the bar street—it's noisy. 🚄 A taxi from Dali Railway Station to the Old Town takes about 40 minutes; a ride-hailing service costs 30 yuan. Don't take unlicensed taxis. Of these eight places, Meizhou and Changde are the least strenuous, while Haixi and Dali offer the best photo opportunities. When traveling with children, don't try to do too much. One place per day, rest when tired, eat when hungry—the kids will be happy, and you won't suffer. The August breeze is perfect; let's go! 01 Xinxiang | Henan When traveling with children to Xinxiang, don't rush to the scenic spots; prioritize meals and rest first. A taxi ride from the high-speed rail station to Baoquan Tourist Area takes about 40 minutes, and you can see the outline of the Taihang Mountains along the way. The trails at Baoquan are gently sloping, making it easy to push a stroller. There are pavilions and vending machines every so often along the way. The water price is two yuan more expensive than outside, but acceptable. Children love the shallow water area; the water is just above ankle level, crystal clear, and you can walk right in wearing sandals—cool and safe. It's recommended to arrive before 10 am to avoid crowds, enjoy better lighting, and avoid waiting for photos. 🍜 For lunch, we had a bowl of hand-pulled noodles at a farmhouse restaurant near the scenic area entrance. The noodles were chewy, and the broth was savory and delicious; the children finished a whole bowl. In the afternoon, we went to Baligou. The journey wasn't long, but there were many mountain roads, so children prone to motion sickness should take their medication beforehand. The waterfalls at Baligou are the highlight. ⏰ The mist is strongest after 3 pm; standing on the viewing platform, you can feel the fine water droplets splashing on your face, which will excite the children. ⚠️ Don't buy raincoats inside the scenic area; the five-yuan ones are of poor quality and tear easily. It's more cost-effective to bring your own. Descend the mountain in the evening and return to the city for the night. I recommend staying near Baolong Plaza; there are many dining options, and you can even take your kids to the night market. 02 Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Haixi is more suitable for older children; younger children may not be able to withstand altitude sickness. If your child is six years or older, head straight for Kunlun Mountain. Although the altitude is high, the snow-capped mountains and grasslands along the way are breathtaking. I recommend hiring a car rather than driving yourself, as unfamiliar road conditions can easily lead to accidents. The driver will carry oxygen cylinders, so you don't need to buy your own, but confirm with the driver beforehand. Choose between Chaka Salt Lake and Qarhan Salt Lake; I chose Qarhan. Chaka is too weather-dependent; strong winds make it difficult to capture reflections. Qarhan's green salt lake, on the other hand, is more photogenic. ⏰ After 4 pm, the light is soft, and the salt crystals shimmer like scattered diamonds in the sunlight. Emerald Lake is located between the two, so it's convenient to visit without needing to dedicate a whole day to it. ⚠️ The wind at the salt lake is incredibly strong; make sure your children wear windproof hats, or they'll get headaches. Choose accommodation in Golmud city center; hotels have oxygen rooms, ensuring a good night's sleep. 🍜 Don't go to trendy restaurants; just go to a local noodle shop. Try the lamb stew noodles with garlic—the kids can eat the noodles, you can have the meat, and it'll be around 30 yuan per person. 🚄 Haixi Station is close to the city center, a 10-minute taxi ride; avoid unlicensed taxis. 03 Meizhou|Guangdong Meizhou was the most relaxing stop on this trip, bar none. Yannanfei Tea Plantation is essentially a large park with gentle greenways and plenty of shade; children can run around all day without getting tired. The entrance fee includes a sightseeing bus; take the bus to the top of the mountain first, then slowly walk down—it's energy-saving and convenient. Osmanthus trees line the paths through the tea fields, blooming in late August and filling the air with a rich fragrance. Your child might ask, "Mom, what does that smell like?" and you can easily explain it to them. 🍜 The Hakka restaurants within the scenic area are always a safe bet. Their stuffed tofu and salt-baked chicken are authentic, averaging around 50 RMB per person, and the environment is clean. ⚠️ Don't buy tea at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive and the quality is mediocre. If you really want to buy tea, go to the tea shops in the old town. In the afternoon, visit Qiaoxi Ancient Village, not far from the tea fields. The alleyways in the ancient village are shady and perfect for strolling around. ⏰ Return to the city around 5 PM and have a bowl of pickled noodles with Sanjidi soup in Jiangbei Old Street. Your child will happily finish both the noodles and soup. For accommodation, I recommend the area near Ke Tianxia; the hotels are new, well-equipped, and offer a light show at night. 🚄 A taxi from Meizhou West Railway Station to the city center costs 20 RMB. Don't take the motorcycle taxis that solicit passengers. 04 Longnan | Gansu Longnan is an underrated summer resort, with temperatures several degrees lower than the surrounding areas. Between Wenxian Tianchi and Guange Valley, I recommend only visiting Guange Valley. Tianchi is too far, with winding mountain roads that can easily cause motion sickness in children. Guange Valley has a more established boardwalk, taking about three hours to walk without getting tired. The water in the valley is turquoise and crystal clear; children can't resist taking off their shoes to wade in the cool water, but the shallows are safe. ⏰ Enter the valley at 9 am; the light is perfect, and you can see small rainbows in the sunlight from the waterfall's mist. There are vendors selling roasted potatoes at the entrance for five yuan each; the skin is crispy, sprinkled with chili powder—a novelty for children, and a snack for you too. ⚠️ Signal is weak inside the valley; download an offline map beforehand to avoid getting lost. In the afternoon, return to the city and visit Wanxiang Cave. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 16 degrees Celsius; wear a light jacket in summer. 🍜 For dinner, we had potato dumplings (a type of glutinous rice noodle soup), which tasted like sticky rice, served with pickled cabbage soup. The kids enjoyed it. I recommend staying in Wudu District; it's convenient for dining, and there's a supermarket downstairs, making it easy to buy fruit and snacks. 05 Yichun | Jiangxi Mingyue Mountain in Yichun is suitable for the whole family. The cable car goes directly to the summit, so there's no need to climb. The Qingyun Plank Road at the top is flat, even suitable for strollers. The plank road is suspended on the edge of a cliff, but the railings are high, out of reach of children, ensuring safety. ⏰ Take the first cable car at 8 am. There are fewer people, and the mist hasn't dissipated yet; walking on the plank road feels like being in a fairyland. The Moon Lake at the summit is very photogenic, with a thin mist floating on the water. Kids might ask, "Is there Chang'e?" Just tell them a story. 🍜 After descending the mountain, go to Wentang Town for a foot bath. The hot spring water is natural; it costs 40 yuan per person, half price for children. ⚠️ Don't buy water inside the scenic area; the vending machines at the top of the mountain are often out of stock, so bring two bottles with you. In the afternoon, stroll along Gujingquan Street. The street isn't long, but it has many snacks; roasted glutinous rice cakes and rice cakes are perfect for children. For accommodation, I recommend guesthouses in Wentang Town; many have private soaking tubs, and the kids sleep especially well after a bath at night. 🚄 A taxi from Yichun Station to Mingyue Mountain takes about half an hour. A shared ride costs 30 yuan, which is cheaper than hiring a car. 06 Changde|Hunan Changde's Taohuayuan (Peach Blossom Spring) sounds like a traditional Chinese place, but it's actually very family-friendly. The scenic area is divided into two parts: Qin Valley and Taohuashan. If you're with children, Qin Valley is enough. The terrain in the valley is flat, with streams winding around the paths, so children can walk and play in the water without getting tired. 🍜 The Lei Cha (擂茶) shop at the entrance of the valley is a must-visit. A bowl of Lei Cha with fried rice and peanuts is savory, refreshing, and perfect for kids as a snack or for you as lunch. It costs around 20 RMB per person. ⏰ There's a live performance at 2 PM telling the story of Peach Blossom Spring. The performance is under the shade of trees, so it's not too hot, and kids will be engrossed. ⚠️ Don't take a bamboo raft ride inside the scenic area. The current is slow, and it's a waste of time. It's better to walk around and enjoy the scenery. In the evening, leave the scenic area and take a walk along the Yuan River. The river breeze is cool, and there's a night market along the riverbank where grilled fish and cold noodles are cheap. You can eat your fill for around 30 RMB per person. For accommodation, I recommend the area near Wuling Pavilion in the city center. There are many hotels, and you can also stroll along the pedestrian street in the evening. 🚄 A taxi from Changde Station to Peach Blossom Spring takes about 40 minutes. Sharing a ride is even cheaper. 07 Baoji|Shaanxi A trip to Baoji should be divided into two days. On the first day, we went to Taibai Mountain. We set off early, took the scenic area bus to the cable car station, and then took the cable car up the mountain. The Tianyuan Difang scenic spot on the mountain is at an altitude of 3,500 meters. If the children are energetic, they can walk along a section of the wooden boardwalk, but don't force them; altitude sickness is no joke. ⚠️ The temperature on the mountain is 10 degrees Celsius lower than at the foot of the mountain, so bring a light down jacket for the children. After descending the mountain, we went to Tangyu Town for hot springs. There are several hot springs at the foot of Taibai Mountain; choose one with a children's pool, as the water temperature is lower and safer for children to play in. 🍜 For dinner, we ate Qishan Saozi noodles in town. The sour and spicy flavor was appetizing, and the children ate small bowls. On the second day, we went to Famen Temple. The Buddhist cultural scenic area is large, but the paths are gentle, and you can rent electric bikes for transportation. The He Shi Relic Pagoda is magnificent; the children will exclaim "Wow!" upon seeing it. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM to avoid crowds. The sunlight shines on the pagoda, making it glitter like gold. In the afternoon, we went to Guanshan Grassland. The meadows were vast, and the children could run around freely. Horseback riding was 50 yuan per lap, and the children could ride whenever they wanted; the horse handlers were very steady. ⚠️ Be aware that there are many mosquitoes on the grassland, so bring mosquito repellent. 08 Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan Dali was the final stop of this trip. Slow down and don't rush through the sights. The rice paddies in Xizhou Ancient Town were lush and green at the end of August, and the wind made them look like ocean waves. The children would run endlessly along the paddy field ridges. The corner tower in the ancient town is a popular photo spot, but it's crowded. ⚠️ Don't go at noon; the light is harsh, and your face will look dark in photos. It's recommended to go after 5:30 pm, when the sunset casts a warm yellow glow on the walls of the Bai ethnic minority houses, making every photo postcard-perfect. At Chongsheng Temple's Three Pagodas, you only need to buy a ticket to enter; there's no need to take an electric vehicle. It's a ten-minute walk to the base of the pagodas, and the children can easily walk around and count the steps. Along the ecological corridor by Erhai Lake, rent a bicycle with a child seat and ride for a short distance; you don't need to ride the whole way. 🍜 For lunch, have spicy and sour fish near Caicun Wharf. The fish is from Erhai Lake, fresh and tender, served with potatoes and tofu; the kids ate two bowls of rice! Choose accommodation near the South Gate of Dali Old Town for easy access to the old town at night, but avoid staying near the bar street—it's noisy. 🚄 A taxi from Dali Station to the Old Town takes about 40 minutes; a ride-hailing service costs 30 yuan. Don't take unlicensed taxis. Of these eight places, Meizhou and Changde are the least strenuous, while Haixi and Dali offer the best photo opportunities. When traveling with children, don't try to do too much. One place per day, rest when tired, eat when hungry—the kids will be happy, and you won't suffer. The August breeze is perfect; let's go!

Honestly, I don’t recommend coming to Baoji in August or September! This isn’t a warning but a compliment—the late summer and early autumn in the land of the Zhou and Qin dynasties is rich in history. With snow on Mount Taibai, the long flow of the Wei River, limited-time kiwi picking, and nighttime Zen tea tours at Famen Temple, the atmosphere is both profound and serene. Once you visit, you won’t want to leave. You’ll be completely immersed in the ancient charm of the “hometown of Emperor Yan and the land of bronze ware.” Insider tips for avoiding accommodation pitfalls 1. If you’re on a budget, prioritize chain hotels near Jing’er Road in Weibin District. Prices range from 180 to 300 yuan per night. The business district is right downstairs, and there are direct buses to Mount Taibai and Famen Temple. This is much more cost-effective than staying near the scenic spots. 2. If you want to stay at a hot spring guesthouse at the foot of Mount Taibai, book at least 10 days in advance. Rooms are hard to find on weekends in August and September. Be sure to confirm whether breakfast and parking are included. Prices surge sharply for last-minute bookings during peak season. 3. Avoid small hotels near Baoji Station that aggressively solicit guests. The environment is noisy and hygiene is questionable. It’s more reliable to book online with a rating above 4.5 and free cancellation. 4. For family trips, consider apartments in the High-tech Zone. They’re close to the high-speed rail station, have kitchens and balconies, and are convenient for visiting the Chinese Stone Drum Park and the Bronze Ware Museum. Spacious and worry-free for families with kids. 8 must-visit core spots 1. Mount Taibai National Forest Park 8:00 AM–6:00 PM | Ticket about 100 yuan (cable car not included). The main peak of the Qinling Mountains. There’s snow on the summit in August and September. The forest below is lush, and temperatures are about 10℃ cooler than the city. Tip: Take the cable car up to watch the sea of clouds at Tianyuan Difang. Bring a thick jacket. You can rent a down jacket at the base. Descend before 3:00 PM to avoid mountain fog closing the roads. 2. Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area 8:30 AM–5:30 PM | Ticket about 100 yuan. A thousand-year-old temple housing the Buddha’s finger relic. The He Shi Relic Pagoda is solemn and impressive. Tip: Enter after 3:00 PM, visit the underground palace and treasure hall first, then watch the sunset’s golden light on the pagoda. Check in advance for Wednesday’s Zen tea night tours. 3. China Bronze Ware Museum 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays) | Free (reservation required). The largest bronze ware museum in China, home to national treasures like the He Zun and Zhe Gong. Tip: Arrive right at opening to join a free guided tour and learn about the earliest use of the word “China.” The museum is air-conditioned, perfect for escaping the heat. Allow 2 hours to explore. 4. Guanshan Grassland Open all day | Ticket about 60 yuan. The “Alps of Shaanxi,” with rolling alpine meadows and herds of horses, still green in August and September. Tip: Arrive in the afternoon to ride horses and watch the sunset. Stay overnight in a Mongolian yurt to stargaze. Wake up to the morning mist over the grassland. Bring a thick jacket and mosquito repellent. 5. Chinese Stone Drum Park · Stone Drum Pavilion Open all day | Free. The site where the stone drums were unearthed. Climb the pavilion for panoramic views of Baoji, with the Wei River winding through the city like a jade belt. Tip: Climb after 6:00 PM to watch the sunset paint the skyline red. Stay for the city lights at night. A local favorite spot for views. 6. Chencang Old Street Open all day | Free. A street with Republic of China-era charm, featuring old locomotives and blue brick buildings. It’s a hub for Baoji cuisine. Tip: Visit after 7:00 PM. Eat a bowl of authentic Qishan sauced noodles, then buy some hand-rolled noodles and vinegar powder. Enjoy the food while capturing vintage night scenes. 7. Honghe Valley · Doumu Waterfall 8:00 AM–5:30 PM | Ticket about 45 yuan (cable car not included). A waterfall in the Qinling Mountains with mist everywhere, cool and refreshing, and packed with negative ions. Tip: Hike in the morning, take deep breaths in front of the waterfall, wear sandals to step in the water—it’s very refreshing. Bring mosquito repellent. 8. Zhouyuan Ruins · Duke of Zhou Temple 8:30 AM–5:30 PM | Ticket about 50 yuan. The birthplace of the Zhou people, with ancient buildings built into the mountains, ancient cypress trees, and continuous incense offerings. Tip: Visit in the afternoon. Watch the thousand-year-old cypress in front of the Duke of Zhou Hall. Listen to the flowing water by Runde Spring. The quiet, cool atmosphere is perfect for reflection. Baoji in August and September sheds the summer heat and gains the comfort of early autumn. You can climb Mount Taibai to see snow and the sea of clouds, stroll Zhouyuan to hear the Wei River flowing, explore bronze national treasures, enjoy the cool Guanshan Grassland, and eat hand-rolled noodles with sauced noodles. It’s both rich and pleasant. Once you visit, you’ll never forget it. In your dreams, you’ll hear the bells of Famen Temple and feel the breeze and moonlight of Mount Taibai.

Before coming to Baoji in August, let me be honest 🌧️. Don’t be fooled by the ads calling it a 22℃ summer resort. This August, the city’s temperature can soar up to 33℃. The high humidity makes it feel like a sauna, and thunderstorms come suddenly. If you don’t bring an umbrella, you’ll suffer. However, the mountain attractions are indeed cool. With proper planning, this trip is still the best value for money 💰. 🏨 Accommodation tips: don’t overpay near the attractions My spending expectations were completely reset—Baoji’s prices are so friendly it’s almost tear-inducing. Chain hotels along Er’er Road and near the train station in the city center are clean with private bathrooms, costing only 120–180 yuan. There’s a whole street of breakfast stalls downstairs, and a taxi to Shiguyuan starts at the base fare. For those seeking quality, there are many upscale hotels priced between 180–300 yuan near Jintai Avenue and the high-speed rail south station, some with buffet breakfast and gyms. If you want to experience hot springs, guesthouses in Tangyu Town at the foot of Taibai Mountain cost 150–300 yuan. After hiking, soaking in the hot springs is a perfect way to relax and feel great ♨️. 💡 It’s not recommended to book guesthouses directly near the attractions. Besides higher prices for the same room type, daily shopping is inconvenient. 🍜 Food recommendations: the happy carb hometown Baoji’s food, to put it bluntly, is “delicious with no downsides.” Breakfast must include tofu pudding with soaked bread. Soft tofu with crispy bread pieces, drizzled with chili oil, costs 8 yuan a bowl and is warming and filling. Next up is Baoji’s hand-rolled noodles, chewier than regular cold noodles, with the soul being the spoonful of Qin pepper chili oil. Eating it in summer is a spicy delight 🌶️. For main meals, the top pick is Qishan saozi noodles, known for “thin noodles, sour, spicy, and fragrant.” It’s no exaggeration to say one bowl is so good you’ll slurp three 🥢. Also try the saozi rou jia mo (meat sandwich). The meat stew slow-cooked with Qishan vinegar is sour and fragrant, cutting through the richness, completely different from the Xi’an style. Night markets cost about 30 yuan per person, with a full range of grilled skewers, beef tripe hot pot, honey rice dumplings, and jiaotuan (a type of dough snack). Xifu Old Street and Chencang Old Street are the places full of local life, but honestly, prices in the core tourist areas are inflated. Head to old shops in residential alleys for authentic and cheaper flavors. 📸 Recommended attractions: essential check-in route 🗿 Baoji Bronze Ware Museum (free, requires advance reservation via official WeChat) The museum’s treasure, the He Zun vessel, bears the earliest known inscription of the word “China” on its belly, which is spine-tingling to see 😲. Closed on Mondays. Rent a 20 yuan audio guide or you won’t understand the stories behind the artifacts. ⛰️ Taibai Mountain National Forest Park (ticket + shuttle 180 yuan) The main peak of the Qinling Mountains. Take the cable car up to check out the “round sky and square earth” view. The temperature difference at the summit is big, so a light jacket is a must in your bag or you’ll freeze. 🙏 Famen Cultural Scenic Area (tickets from 76 yuan, shuttle 20 yuan extra) The 148-meter tall pagoda holding the relics is imposing. The treasure hall’s Tang dynasty underground palace gold and silver artifacts are dazzling. Dress respectfully; shorts and tank tops are not appropriate. 🌿 Guanshan Grassland (ticket 60 yuan) Average 19℃ in summer, perfect for horseback riding. But it’s far from the city, so don’t squeeze it into your itinerary if time is tight. 🏛️ China Shigu Park (free) Built around Shigu Mountain, climb the pavilion to overlook the Weihe River running through the city. The sunset atmosphere is amazing 🌅. 🐔 Jifeng Mountain (adult ticket 34 yuan) Formerly known as Chencang Mountain, nicknamed “Little Huashan of western Qinling.” The terrain is steep and rugged. Summer is the perfect time to hike. It’s best to start early to avoid crowds. ⚠️ Travel tips: lessons learned the hard way Coming to Baoji in August, I’ve already stepped into these traps for you: 🌧️ Prepare for rain and sun: August has frequent thunderstorms and strong UV on sunny days. Sunscreen + folding umbrella + light jacket are all essential. 🎫 Buy tickets online in advance: For Famen Temple and Taibai Mountain, book tickets + shuttle packages on Trip.com ahead of time. It’s cheaper than buying on-site and saves hassle. 🚫 Avoid unofficial guides: Don’t trust the paid guides at the Bronze Ware Museum entrance. Low-cost guides at Famen Temple will take you to shopping stores. The scenic areas have official guides and audio tours. 🥾 Know your limits: Don’t overexert yourself hiking Taibai Mountain. If you feel unwell, turn back promptly. Some parts of Jifeng Mountain are steep, so wear anti-slip hiking shoes. 📅 Avoid Monday: The Bronze Ware Museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. 🍜 Don’t order too much: Portions at Xifu snacks are generous. Order small portions of several dishes to avoid waste and try more. Honestly, Baoji is the kind of city where “you’ll regret not coming, but your legs will hurt if you do.” Attractions are scattered across counties, 1–2 hours apart by car, with no direct public transport. Independent travel is very challenging. It’s best to stay two nights in the city and one night at the foot of Taibai Mountain for a comfortable pace 💪. August is hotter and rainier, but if you avoid the midday sun, stroll old streets and eat snacks in the morning and evening, visit museums with air conditioning during the day, and enjoy the cool mountain spots, this trip’s value for money will blow your mind! ✨

01 Baoji city | Shaanxi Taibai Mountain is the toughest stop on this trip, but don’t worry about traveling with kids. 🚡 Take the cable car up to Tianyuan Difang at 3,511 meters elevation. The wind is strong enough to blow your hat off, but the moment kids see the sea of clouds, all the heat is blown away. Before heading up, rent a down jacket at the visitor center at the foot of the mountain for 30 yuan each. The temperature at the top is more than 10 degrees cooler than at the base, so don’t take chances. Famen Temple Buddhist cultural scenic area is better for the afternoon. The Buddha light avenue is wide enough for strollers, but the full walk takes about 2 hours. It’s best to only do half the route with kids, focusing on the shape of the Hezhi relic pagoda and the underground palace artifacts. Kids are more impressed by the “big golden pagoda” than the history. Spend a full day at Guanshan grassland. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Baoji city in the morning. The grassland temperature is about 8 degrees cooler than the city, and long sleeves are just right in the evening. ⚠️ Horse riding on the grassland is not allowed for kids under 1.2 meters tall, so don’t waste time waiting in line. To save time, go straight to the meadow at the entrance of Dongshan Scenic Area. It’s less crowded, and you can lay out a picnic blanket for the kids to run around for hours. 02 Suqian city | Jiangsu Hongze Lake wetland is like a giant natural air conditioner. 🚄 It’s a 40-minute taxi ride from Suqian station. Tickets plus boat ride cost just over 100 yuan. Buying online in advance saves 20 yuan. Enter the park at 9 AM and take the boat through the reed beds. The lake breeze instantly relaxes you. After getting off the boat, walk the wooden boardwalk surrounded by blooming lotus flowers, which are at their peak in August. No filter needed for photos. The kids’ favorite spot is the birdwatching platform. Using binoculars, they can watch egrets and cormorants squabble on the shallows, more captivating than cartoons. ⚠️ Mosquitoes in the wetland are fierce. Long pants and long sleeves are a must. You can buy mosquito repellent at the small shop at the entrance, but it’s twice as expensive inside the park. Leave by 2 PM because after 3 PM, water activities have lines that can last an hour. Have lunch outside the park at “Lakeside Home.” The mixed fish pot dumplings cost 88 yuan per serving, enough for three adults to share. Kids can fill up with a bowl of rice. 03 Pingdingshan city | Henan Yaoshan – Central Plains Giant Buddha scenic area. Here’s my advice: take the cable car up, don’t hike. ⏰ Arrive right at 8 AM when it opens. The cable car line is short, and you can reach the top in half an hour. The temperature at the summit is 6 degrees cooler than the base, with the scent of pine needles in the wind. Kids will run a few steps and say they’re cold, so bring a light jacket. Don’t return the same way down. Take the Qinglongbei trail instead. The steps are gentle and suitable for kids to walk on their own. The Central Plains Giant Buddha is at the foot of the mountain. The statue is 208 meters tall. Standing under the lotus base and looking up, kids can’t help but say “wow.” ⚠️ The sightseeing bus in the park runs its last trip at 5:30 PM. Don’t miss it or you’ll have a 40-minute walk back to the parking lot. For lunch, try the “Yaoshan farmhouse” outside the park for local clay pot chicken, freshly killed and stewed, about 50 yuan per person. Kids can have two bowls of soup with rice. This place is best for a day trip. Accommodation nearby is average, so staying overnight is not recommended. 04 Shenyang city | Liaoning Shenyang’s summer isn’t as hot as you might think. There’s a big temperature difference between day and night. It’s 30 degrees during the day and drops to 22 degrees at night. Beiling Park is where locals take evening strolls. The entrance fee is 6 yuan. Qingzhaoling Mausoleum is inside the park and charges 40 yuan separately, but the park itself is enough for kids to run around all afternoon. ⏰ Enter at 5:30 PM when the light is just right. The lakeside willow trees are full of people walking. Kids can feed fish for half an hour. Shenyang Expo Garden is another experience. The park is huge, so be sure to rent an electric cart for 100 yuan an hour or you’ll be exhausted walking. ⚠️ The restaurants in the park are expensive and not tasty. It’s better to bring your own snacks. The Wugujingguang relic pagoda is hidden in an old city alley. It’s free and rarely visited. The weathered look of the pagoda makes for great photos, but kids might find it boring. A quick 10-minute visit is enough. Beita Falun Temple is nearby, so you can visit both before 2 PM and then head back to the city for a meal of Laobian dumplings. 05 Yulin city | Guangxi Darongshan National Forest Park is the most underrated cool spot I found this year. The elevation difference from the foot to the top is 1,300 meters, dropping the temperature by 10 degrees instantly. It feels like turning on the air conditioner the moment you enter the mountain. 🚄 It’s a 1-hour drive from Yulin city. Tickets cost 60 yuan. You can drive up the mountain, which is very convenient for families with kids. I recommend staying at the camping base on the mountain. Tent rooms cost just over 300 yuan per night. You sleep under a blanket and wake up to birdsong. Kids open their eyes to see the sea of clouds. During the day, visit Lotus Waterfall. The walking path is well maintained and stroller-friendly. The mist from the waterfall is so refreshing you won’t want to leave. ⚠️ Signal on the mountain is spotty. Download offline maps in advance or the navigation will freeze halfway. Have lunch at the mountaintop restaurant. Simple meals cost about 30 yuan per person. The food is average but convenient. In the afternoon, take the kids to the alpine meadow to fly kites. The wind is so strong the kite string can barely hold. Kids run until they’re sweaty but with big smiles. 06 Anshun city | Guizhou Huangguoshu Waterfall has the most water volume in August but also the most visitors. My advice: rush there right at 7:30 AM when it opens to see the big waterfall and avoid tour groups. ⏰ After 9 AM, tour groups flood in. The queue for Water Curtain Cave is at least an hour long, which is a nightmare with kids. After seeing the big waterfall, go straight to Duopotang, the waterfall from the opening of Journey to the West. The trail is gentle, and kids can walk it easily. Longgong Scenic Area is a half-hour drive from Huangguoshu. Take the second boat ride into the cave. The temperature inside is a constant 16 degrees, so wear a jacket. ⚠️ The exit of Longgong has a long commercial street with overpriced goods. Don’t let kids get distracted buying toys. I recommend staying in Anshun city, 40 minutes from the scenic area. There are many hotels, and you can go to Gufu Street at night for baked pot dishes, about 50 yuan per person. Kids can’t stop eating the roasted potato slices. 07 Fuyang city | Anhui Bali River is honestly not a stunning scenic spot, but it’s cheap, uncrowded, and easy for kids. Tickets cost 80 yuan, 10 yuan cheaper if booked online. The park is divided into four areas. With kids, head straight to the World Scenery area. The mini Zeus temple and Arc de Triomphe will excite kids who have seen them in books. ⏰ Enter at 3 PM when the light is best. The willow trees by the lake provide shade, and benches are just a few steps away. ⚠️ The sightseeing bus costs 20 yuan per person, but it’s unnecessary. The whole park can be walked in about 2 hours, and strollers are fine. For lunch, try the “Bali River Fish Restaurant” outside the park. The fish head soup is the specialty, 58 yuan per pot. The milky white broth lets kids eat two bowls of rice. This place is great as a halfway stop on a road trip. Spend half a day and then leave. It’s worth it. 08 Yongzhou city | Hunan Shanggantang Ancient Village is my hidden gem. The village is 1,200 years old and free to enter. It’s so quiet you can hear your footsteps echo on the bluestone slabs. Visiting in August, the Xiemu River at the village entrance is a natural swimming pool for kids. The water is knee-deep and crystal clear. Local kids are all playing in it, and your child can join in. ⏰ Enter after 4 PM when the sunlight slants on the gray tiles of the Ming dynasty houses, perfect for photos. 📍 Walk 200 meters along the river to Buying Bridge. At the bridgehead is a jelly dessert stall. A bowl costs 5 yuan. It’s made with brown sugar water and mint, more refreshing than any drink. ⚠️ There are no restaurants in the village. Dinner requires a 10-minute drive to town. I recommend Yongzhou blood duck, which is spicy but kids can eat the duck meat with rice. For accommodation, stay in Yongzhou city, a 40-minute drive away. The hotels are much better. This place is perfect for families wanting to avoid crowds and let kids experience how quiet a village can be.

01 Zhuzhou | Hunan Zhuzhou isn't the kind of city that immediately wows you, but it's worth exploring. 🚄 A taxi from the high-speed rail station to the city center takes about half an hour, which is just enough for a weekend trip. The Yan Emperor's Mausoleum is located in Yanling County, a bit far from the city center, so I recommend setting aside a whole day. Start at 8 am to arrive before the crowds. The square in front of the hall is quiet, the scent of incense mixed with the morning dew creating a calming atmosphere. The mausoleum area is quite large; walking through the main hall, the stele corridor, and the historical sacrificial inscriptions takes about two to three hours. ⚠️ Don't buy incense or candles at the entrance. Free incense is provided inside; buying a set outside for tens of yuan is a waste. For lunch, have a bowl of Youxian noodles in the county town. The sour and spicy flavor is appetizing and much better than the fast food around the scenic area. In the afternoon, return to the city and stroll along the Xiangjiang River, looking at the old railway bridge. As dusk falls, the lights on the bridge come on, creating a picturesque scene for photos. If you're not interested in ancestral culture, you can skip the Yan Emperor's Mausoleum; Zhuzhou city itself is more of a transit point. However, if you're looking for a slower-paced weekend getaway without rushing through tourist attractions, this is a good option. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is an underrated weekend destination, but only if you choose wisely. Taibai Mountain is suitable for those with good stamina. ⚠️ The Honghuaping cable car closes at 4 PM; to reach the summit, you need to arrive at the visitor center before 7 AM. Last time I arrived at 9 AM, only reaching Shangban Temple before turning back, missing the sea of ​​clouds. If you want to see alpine rhododendrons, come in late May or early June; the pink and purple hues covering the hillsides are more stunning than any filter. Regarding the Famen Temple Buddhist Cultural Scenic Area, my advice is clear: see the underground palace and relics in the old temple area. The newly built square around the He Shi Relic Pagoda is tiring to walk in, and the photos don't turn out very well; you can skip it if you're short on time. 🍜 The row of cold noodle shops at the scenic area entrance—any one you pick is better than the chain stores in the city; the spicy aroma is irresistible. Guanshan Grassland is suitable for families with children or groups of friends, but don't have too high expectations. The grass isn't very dense, but it's vast and open. A horseback ride around costs a few dozen yuan, so it's worth the experience. The name "Frozen Mountain Wind" says it all—it's windy in the evening, so remember to bring a jacket. 🚄 There are direct buses from Baoji South Station to Taibai Mountain, about once an hour during peak season, but it's hard to say during off-season, so it's recommended to book in advance. 03 Jiayuguan | Gansu Jiayuguan is a city defined by the Great Wall, but during the 48 hours of the weekend, you don't need to see every single brick. The main scenic area is just Jiayuguan Fortress; it's recommended to enter after 3 PM. ⏰ At this time, the light starts to angle, and standing on the fortress tower looking west, the Gobi Desert is gilded with gold, and the snow line of the Qilian Mountains in the distance is so clear it looks unreal. The fortress isn't large; two hours is enough to walk around the barbican, the guerrilla general's residence, and the entire city wall. ⚠️ Don't take those "desert off-road" taxis soliciting customers at the scenic area entrance; the routes are short and expensive. Walking along the outer edge of the city wall yourself is a much better experience. In the evening, go to the city center for barbecue. Jiayuguan's barbecue is grilled directly over charcoal, generously sprinkled with cumin and chili powder. Pair it with a bottle of local yogurt for a refreshing and satisfying meal. 🍜 I recommend the old stalls in the Jinglu Railway Market; they're more authentic than the trendy restaurants. The next morning, you can go to the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall. It's less crowded, offers a vast view, and standing on the edge of the Taolai River canyon, the wind is so strong you can barely stand, but the desolate feeling is something you can't experience inside the fortress. Return in the afternoon; perfect for a weekend. If you only have one day, skip the First Beacon Tower and just explore the fortress and the city center. 04 Sanming|Fujian A weekend in Sanming is perfect for letting your body relax in the mountains and rivers and your stomach indulge in delicious snacks. Dajin Lake is the core destination; I recommend taking the earliest boat. 📍 Departing from Xiafang Wharf, Ganlu Temple is the most photogenic spot on the entire trip—the temple is nestled in a rock crevice, with a single pillar supporting the entire structure. On sunny days, sunlight streams down from the cliff top, creating stunning light and shadow effects. The entire trip takes about three hours. ⚠️ I don't recommend the "special fish feast" on the boat; it's expensive and mediocre, better enjoyed on shore. In the afternoon, visit Taining Ancient City. The city isn't large, but the brick walls and archways in the alleys are very charming. 🍜 Jade Rolls are a local specialty—thin rice paper wrapped around mushrooms and minced meat, drizzled with chili sauce; you'll want to take some home. The Shangshu Mansion architectural complex is worth spending half an hour walking around; the wood carvings and gate towers are well-preserved, showing more sincerity than many renovated ancient towns. ⏰ If you come in June, watch the sunset at Dajin Lake outside the ancient city in the evening. The lake will turn pinkish-orange, less crowded, and the scenery is beautiful—more comfortable than any daytime attraction. Sanming is suitable for those with a slow pace. If you're used to rushing to five attractions a day, this place will make you anxious. 05 Hezhou | Guangxi The best thing about Hezhou is that it condenses the "flavor of Guangxi" into a two-day weekend. Gupo Mountain is the main attraction. Enter the mountain at 8 am; the air is cool as if it's been washed by water. The negative oxygen ion level in the waterfall area is ridiculously high; you'll feel refreshed after walking for a while. The Fairy Maiden Waterfall at the summit is the end point, and the round trip takes about three hours. ⚠️ The boardwalk is slippery; wear non-slip shoes, not canvas shoes. There are no restaurants in the mountains, so bring your own food and water; don't expect to find supplies along the way. In the afternoon, head to Dongtanling, which is better for watching the sunset. ⏰ Reach the summit before 5 pm, find a rock to sit on, and you'll see layers upon layers of karst peaks. The setting sun paints their outlines a deep indigo, and a breeze makes you feel completely relaxed. There are farmhouses at the foot of the mountain, serving authentic local dishes like braised chicken and stuffed tofu. You can eat until you're stuffed for around 40-50 yuan per person. 🚄 There's a dedicated bus line from Hezhou Station to Gupo Mountain, but it's infrequent, and you might miss the return trip. It's recommended to book a ride directly; it costs about 50 yuan one way. Hezhou isn't for those seeking a "refined vacation"; it's more like a wild place to catch your breath. 06 Tianjin Tianjin is a city perfect for a long walk, but you need to plan ahead before you start. The Five Avenues Cultural Tourism Area is the highlight. Don't take a taxi in; riding a shared bicycle is the best way. 📍 Start from Minyuan Square and walk along Machang Road, Chongqing Road, and Changde Road. The Western-style buildings along the way each have their own character—red brick, beige walls, and towers—everywhere you look is photogenic. ⏰ The light is softer after 3 pm, much more comfortable than the harsh light of the morning. ⚠️ I don't recommend taking those "Five Avenues guided tour tricycles." The routes are short and the prices are opaque; it's better to ride your own. The Italian Style Area is more commercialized, but it has a different charm in the evening. 🍜 Near Marco Polo Square, try the small restaurants. Order a plate of pasta and a bottle of local beer, and you'll feel like you're in Europe—it's great value for money. The Olympic Stadium looks magnificent from the outside and is great for photos when it's lit up at night, but there's no need to go inside. The next day, take your kids or your partner to Fantawild Adventure. The rides aren't the newest or the most exciting, but the queues are short. ⚠️ Check the opening hours beforehand. Sometimes it closes at 5 pm during the off-season, so don't go home empty-handed. In Tianjin, don't just focus on Goubuli (a famous Tianjin restaurant). Street-side Jianbing (a type of savory crepe) and Guoba Cai (a type of savory porridge) are the locals' daily staples; you can eat your fill for breakfast for just over ten yuan. 07 Jingdezhen | Jiangxi A weekend in Jingdezhen is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Zone is the top choice; it's more beautiful at night than during the day. 📍 This area, transformed from an old porcelain factory, features a mix of red brick factory buildings and modern glass curtain walls. When the lights come on, the entire park seems to be bathed in a warm glow. The market is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Most of the vendors are young ceramic artists, and their works are more interesting than tourist souvenirs. Prices range from tens to hundreds of yuan; if you see something you like, you can buy it. ⚠️ Don't buy from the large shops at the entrance; the stalls further in are where you'll find more surprises. The next morning, visit the Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Exhibition Area, where you can see the complete porcelain-making process. From throwing the clay to painting blue and white, to firing the kiln, each step is demonstrated live by experienced masters—much more engaging than visiting a museum. 🍜 The scenic area sells porcelain clay stewed chicken. The chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves, coated in porcelain clay, and baked. The aroma is irresistible the moment you crack open the clay shell—definitely worth trying. ⏰ If you only have half a day left, visit the Imperial Kiln Site Park. The evening light shining on the kiln brick walls creates a striking contrast of warm and cool tones, making every shot a masterpiece. Jingdezhen isn't for those rushing from one place to another; the slower you go, the more it offers. 08 Yantai | Shandong The sea in Yantai is calmer than Qingdao's and more vibrant than Weihai's. A two-day weekend is just right. Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area is the star of the first day. 📍 Enter from the East Gate and walk along the Dan Cliff Mountain Trail. The sea breeze, carrying the salty scent, hits you in the face. Reaching the top, you can see the dividing line between the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea. On a clear day, the two seas are distinctly different colors—truly magical. ⏰ Before 9 AM, there are fewer people, and the lighting is better, perfect for taking photos. ⚠️ There's no need to take the cable car in the scenic area; the trail isn't long, and walking it is more enjoyable. 🍜 For lunch, go to Penglai city to eat mackerel dumplings. The skin is thin, the filling is generous, and every bite is bursting with freshness. The second day is reserved for Changdao Island. 🚄 The boat ride from Penglai Wharf takes about forty minutes. If you get seasick, take medication beforehand. Once on the island, rent an electric scooter and ride along the coastline. The pebble beach at Crescent Bay and the cliffside seascape at Jiuzhang Cliff are both worth stopping to admire. ⚠️ The attractions on Changdao Island are spread out, so don't expect to walk; an electric scooter is essential. If you're short on time, you can skip Longkou Nanshan. While the Buddha statue there is spectacular, the overall atmosphere is quite commercialized; it's better to spend your time by the sea. Seafood in Yantai is cheap, but don't order randomly. Locals eat seasonally; ordering something like "sea monster" might just be another name for a type of conch.

Going out in August, the biggest worry isn’t the heat, it’s the crowds. Popular attractions have two-hour lines, and all you see in photos are the backs of people’s heads, ruining the experience. These 8 places are reachable by high-speed train, have temperatures cooler than the city, and best of all, aren’t overrun by tour groups. I picked them based on my preferences—mountains, water, and grasslands. Choose one you like, buy a ticket, and go. 01 Nyingchi | Tibet While others are sunburned in Lhasa, I’m wrapped in a jacket drinking sweet tea in Nyingchi. In August, the average temperature in Nyingchi is just over 20 degrees Celsius, and you still need a light down jacket in the morning and evening. The coolness here is moist and pine-scented, a completely different world from the dry heat of northern China. The stretch near Bomi is the most comfortable part of the entire 318 highway in my opinion. Few cars, lots of trees, and the Parlung Tsangpo River flowing right beside you. Open the window, and the wind is cool, with the scent of leaves and earth in the air. You don’t need to visit any attractions—just driving along the Yunnan-Tibet route is an eye spa. The water at Basongcuo Lake is a blue-green jade in August, like a gem nestled in the valley. Walking the lakeside boardwalk takes about an hour, not tiring, but at over 3,000 meters altitude, you’ll get winded if you walk fast. I suggest strolling slowly and sitting on the lakeside rocks when tired, watching clouds drift over the snowy peaks. The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is even more spectacular, but the ticket is pricey. I recommend just visiting the viewing platform and skipping the full sightseeing bus. 🚄 There is now a high-speed train from Lhasa to Nyingchi that takes just over three hours. The train cars have plenty of oxygen, so no need to worry about altitude sickness. 02 Chuzhou | Anhui Langya Mountain is an underrated spot. Many know the “Zuiweng Pavilion” essay, but few realize this mountain in Chuzhou can truly make city dwellers “drunk” in the breeze. In August, the shaded paths block the sun completely, and after ten minutes of walking, your sweat dries. Enter from the north gate and follow the stream uphill, with water sounds all along the way. Zuiweng Pavilion is halfway up the mountain, small but surrounded by old trees with thick shade that covers the entire courtyard. Sitting in the pavilion, the wind passes through the bamboo forest, carrying moisture to your face. At that moment, you’ll understand why Ouyang Xiu didn’t want to leave. The stone paths on the mountain are well maintained, suitable for elders and children, and the whole route takes about two and a half hours. ⚠️ Remember to bring mosquito repellent; the forest has aggressive mosquitoes. 🍜 At the foot of the mountain, there’s a shop selling Langya crispy cakes. Fresh out of the oven, the sesame aroma is strong. They cost 5 yuan each and are worth buying to snack on. 03 Fuzhou | Fujian Fuzhou locals call summer “doing summer,” meaning it’s so hot you have to hide. But in the alleys of Sanfang Qixiang, the temperature is several degrees cooler than the street because the high walls and narrow lanes of the old houses trap the breeze. I recommend entering the alleys after 5 PM. By then, the tour groups have dispersed, and the slanting sunset light shines on the water pavilion stage in Yijinfang, just enough for a photo with shadows. The main road of Nan Hou Street is crowded, but turn left or right into Wenru Fang and Guanglu Fang, and it immediately quiets down. The old wooden doors, bluestone slabs, and bougainvillea climbing the walls are the real Fuzhou. 🍜 Tongli Rouyan has a shop in the old alleys. A bowl of swallow skin wontons with taro paste costs 20 yuan and leaves you feeling completely satisfied. ⏰ Note that many celebrity former residences close at 4:30 PM, so visit early if you want to go inside. 04 Zhaoqing | Guangdong In Guangdong, air conditioning is life in summer, but Zhaoqing’s Xinghu Lake offers a coolness born from the water itself. The entire lake is surrounded by Seven Star Crags, and wherever you go, there’s wind—natural “air conditioning” with moisture. The most comfortable walk is entering from the east gate and following the lakeside embankment to the north gate. On the left are lush rocky hills, on the right the shimmering lake surface. The evening lake breeze blows away the last heat of the day. There’s a small island in the middle of the lake you can reach by boat. The 5 yuan boat ticket takes you to an island with just a few big banyan trees and a grassy field, perfect for lying down and watching clouds until you fall asleep. If you have the energy, climb the Shishi Rock in Seven Star Crags. From the top, you can see the entire Xinghu Lake. After 4 PM is the best time for soft light. ⚠️ Don’t buy “wild lake fresh” seafood from vendors at the entrance; it’s expensive and not fresh. Walk 200–300 meters inside for local river seafood restaurants. 05 Xiangyang | Hubei Gulongzhong in Xiangyang was my biggest surprise this trip. I expected just a memorial shrine, but the whole mountain is a scenic area with an astonishing number of trees. In August, it feels like a natural sunshade. From the scenic area gate, walk 20 minutes along the stone path to Sangu Tang. Tall Chinese hackberry and camphor trees line the way, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting scattered light spots on the ground. Sangu Tang is small, but the ancient cypress in the courtyard is old. Sitting under the corridor, the wind passes through the hall, carrying the scent of wood and moss. The “Longzhong Dialogue” thatched pavilion is a later-built replica, but it makes a nice photo backdrop. ⏰ I recommend going in the morning when it’s less crowded and the light is better. In the afternoon, tour groups reduce the experience. After descending, try a bowl of beef noodles on Beijie Street in Xiangcheng. Xiangyang’s beef noodles use alkaline noodles with beef oil chili sauce, costing 12 yuan a bowl, rougher than Wuhan’s style. 06 Guiyang | Guizhou Guiyang is known as China’s summer capital, and it’s no exaggeration that you need a blanket at night in August. But the city is crowded, so I prefer heading to the suburbs. Tianhetan Tourist Resort is half an hour from downtown. Tickets plus boat ride cost just over 100 yuan. The caves inside stay around 10 degrees Celsius year-round, so wear long sleeves. The underground river has boatmen pushing bamboo poles, and water drips from stalactites onto your neck, chilling you to the bone. This place is best visited in the morning; the afternoon sun makes the cave entrance unbearable. Qingyan Ancient Town is better for the afternoon. The narrow alleys let the breeze through, making it much cooler than outside. The main street is crowded, but go deeper into the alleys to find an old shop selling rose candy—that’s the local flavor. Gaopo Yunding Grassland is wilder, at 1,600 meters altitude, with winds strong enough to blow off hats. It’s best to visit in the evening to watch the sunset and afterglow. ⚠️ There’s no shade on the grassland, so remember to apply sunscreen. 07 Xuzhou | Jiangsu In Xuzhou, summer means either eating skewers or going to Yunlong Lake. This lake is huge, with a loop of over ten kilometers, but you don’t have to walk it all—just pick a section. My favorite is entering from Hunan Road and walking east along the wooden boardwalk by the lake. The 4 PM lake breeze carries the scent of aquatic plants and makes you sleepy. Lotus flowers bloom in August, pink blossoms rising among the leaves. Looking across the water, it’s like an oil painting. Near Xiaonan Lake, there’s a grassy area where many people lay picnic mats and lie down. Don’t be shy—find some shade, lie down, and listen to the waves. The sandy beach on the west shore opened at the end of June. Tickets cost 30 yuan. The water is clean, but it’s crowded like dumplings in a pot, so I don’t recommend it. 🍜 At night, go to Hubushan for spicy chicken pot with flatbread dipped in the sauce. It’s so spicy you sweat but can’t stop eating. 08 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is several degrees cooler than Xi’an in summer because the Qinling Mountains are right next to it. Taibai Mountain is the main peak of Qinling, over 3,700 meters high. It’s 30 degrees at the base but under 10 degrees at the summit, so bring a windbreaker. If you only have one day, I recommend just going to the Tianyuan Difang viewing platform at 3,500 meters. No climbing needed—take the cable car up. Standing on the platform, clouds roll beneath your feet, and the wind is so strong you have to hold the railing. The cold is bone-chilling and refreshing, nothing like air conditioning. ⚠️ Cable car tickets aren’t cheap, just over 200 yuan round trip, but worth it. If you have more time, stay overnight at Guanshan Grassland at 2,000 meters altitude. You’ll need a light down jacket at night, and the starry sky is so bright it looks fake. The Dongshan Wind area is better for hiking enthusiasts; ordinary people shouldn’t push themselves. The Famen Temple Buddhist cultural park is large but pricey. If you’re not interested in Buddhism, just take a photo at the entrance and leave. Finding cool places in August isn’t hard if you’re willing to walk a little further. Of these, I personally want to revisit Nyingchi and Baoji the most—one moist, one refreshing. Where are you planning to go? Share in the comments—you might find a travel buddy.

Eight cities with zero negative reviews. Only after visiting will you understand what makes life worth living 01 Baoting County | Hainan Experience Li and Miao culture and rainforest adventures all in one trip in Baoting. Start the morning at Binglanggu, where Li-style boat-shaped houses hide deep in coconut groves. Watch grandmas weave Li brocade so fast you’ll miss a pattern if you blink. Try the coconut-flavored betel nut cake sold in the park—sweet but not greasy, much better than night market snacks. In the afternoon, head to Yanoda. When walking the rainforest boardwalk, remember to look up—strangler figs and epiphytic orchids are battling right above your head. ⚠️ Don’t skip the electric shuttle ticket in the park. The mountain roads have many curves, and walking can drain your energy. 📍 Free shuttle buses between the parks are infrequent. Driving yourself is more convenient. ⏰ After 3 PM, the rainforest light softens, perfect for portrait photos without filters. 02 Mianyang City | Sichuan What impresses me most about Mianyang is the quiet strength of the Beichuan Qiang City tourist area. After visiting the old county earthquake ruins, your heart will feel heavy for a long time. But the new Beichuan’s Banacha commercial street brings you back to lively, bustling life. The Qiang watchtowers look best when lit at dusk. Many locals dance the Salang dance in the square—you’ll be pulled in after watching for just two minutes. ⚠️ No loud noises or photography allowed in the ruins. Please silence your phone. 🍜 After the park, visit Qiang Family Restaurant in new Beichuan. The smoked pork with fern and buckwheat jelly are authentic. About 40 yuan per person fills you up. 🚄 It’s about a 40-minute taxi ride from Mianyang Station. Ride-sharing is more cost-effective. 03 Huanggang City | Hubei Huanggang isn’t just about test papers. Luotian Tiantangzhai and Macheng Guifeng Mountain are real hidden gems. Tiantangzhai has a glass plank road with a sheer drop below. When it’s windy, you can hear the steel cables creak. If you’re afraid of heights, don’t look down. It’s best to take the cable car up and hike down, with waterfalls accompanying you all the way. Guifeng Mountain is famous for azaleas. From late April to early May, the hills turn red, but the bloom lasts only half a month—miss it and wait a year. ⏰ Get to Tiantangzhai early. Enter at 7 AM to avoid crowds before 10 AM. ⚠️ Few supply points on the mountain. Bring your own water and snacks. 📍 The two parks are two hours apart by car. Visit over two days to avoid rushing. 04 Baoji City | Shaanxi Baoji is a seriously underrated treasure city. Taibai Mountain, Famen Temple, and Guanshan Grassland offer three completely different experiences. The Taibai Mountain hiking trail is beginner-friendly. Take the park shuttle to Tianyuan Difang at 3,511 meters elevation, where the sea of clouds rolls beneath your feet. You can still find patches of snow in June. Famen Temple’s highlight is the underground palace treasures. The golden relic pagoda is dazzling, but ⚠️ the real relics in the underground palace are only open for viewing on weekends and public holidays. Don’t go on a weekday expecting to see them. Guanshan Grassland is perfect for an overnight stay. The night sky in the Mongolian yurt is so clear you can see the Milky Way. 🍜 In the city, try Lingshijia Waijia’s hand-pulled noodles with a sour and spicy flavor—ten times better than what you find in the parks. 🚄 It’s a 40-minute high-speed train ride from Xi’an North Station. Weekend round trips are easy. 05 Putian City | Fujian Meizhou Island is the ancestral home of Mazu, but I don’t recommend just visiting the temple and leaving. Rent an electric bike to circle the island. Ride from the Mazu ancestral temple to Ewei Shenyuan. The sea breeze will mess up your hair, but it’s worth it. The east side’s Golden Sand Beach is less crowded, with fine soft sand. At 5 PM, the light perfectly turns the waves golden. ⏰ The ferry to the island runs every half hour. The last boat leaves at 5:30 PM. Book a guesthouse in advance if you want to stay overnight. ⚠️ Remember to bargain when renting electric bikes on the island. Sixty yuan for half a day is normal in peak season. 🍜 Mazu’s vermicelli porridge is a local breakfast staple. Add oysters and fried peanuts for a fresh flavor that’ll make your eyebrows raise. 📍 Parking at Wenjia Pier is tight. On holidays, it’s better to park in the city and take the bus. 06 Qingyuan City | Guangdong What surprised me most about Qingyuan is the Lianzhou Underground River, the ultimate summer escape for Guangdong locals. As soon as you enter the cave, the temperature drops from 35 to 18 degrees. The cool air hits you, and wearing short sleeves gives you goosebumps. Take a boat through the underground river. The stalactites under colorful lights look like an alien palace. The boatman sings mountain songs in the local dialect, and the echoes circle the cave three times. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM to avoid tour groups. The whole river will be yours. ⚠️ The cave is slippery. Wear non-slip shoes. Avoid high heels. 🍜 After the park, go to Lianzhou city to try Dongpo Shui Jiao—glutinous rice skin dumplings with meat filling. Dip them in spicy sauce. One plate has six, never enough. 🚄 It’s about a three-hour drive from Guangzhou, ideal for a two-day, one-night trip. 07 Shizuishan City | Ningxia Shahu is a magical place where desert and lake sit side by side, neither yielding to the other. Take a boat through the reed marshes and startle a flock of egrets. The water ripples behind the boat sparkle like broken silver in the sun. In the desert area, camel riding is a must, but ⚠️ the camel’s movements when standing up or kneeling are bumpy. Hold on tight and don’t scream to avoid scaring it. Sand sliding down from high spots fills your ears with wind and your mouth with sand. It’s messy but thrilling. ⏰ After 4 PM, the light is softest. The desert patterns are clear, perfect for silhouette photos. 🍜 At the park entrance, try Shahu’s big fish head stew. The broth is milky white, and the fish is tender like tofu. 📍 It’s a one-hour drive from Yinchuan city, all highway with good road conditions. 08 Fuyang City | Anhui Fuyang’s Bali River is the most unconventional park I’ve seen. It’s not natural scenery but a miniature world built by farmers, putting the Temple of Zeus, Arc de Triomphe, and Great Wall all in one park. It’s magical and sincere. It’s best to bring elders here—they can spend half a day chatting about the “Window of the World,” feeling more accomplished than visiting the real Europe. ⚠️ The park is large. Renting an electric cart is the easiest way to explore. Walking takes about four hours. ⏰ Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summer is scorching, and winter is windy. 🍜 After the park, try Gelatiao in Fuyang city. Noodles mixed with sesame sauce and bean sprouts cost six yuan a big bowl. Pair it with a bowl of mild sesame paste for comfort. 📍 It’s about a 40-minute taxi ride from Fuyang West Station, perfect for a weekend trip starting at your own pace. Each of these eight cities has its own character. Baoting’s rainforest, Mianyang’s Qiang village, Huanggang’s azaleas, Baoji’s sea of clouds, Putian’s sea breeze, Qingyuan’s underground river, Shizuishan’s desert lake, and Fuyang’s magical park are all worth a special trip. Which city caught your eye? 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Where to go for a budget trip in August? These 8️⃣ places are less crowded, beautiful, and inexpensive 01 Jixi | Heilongjiang Summer in Jixi is a double paradise for escaping the heat and enjoying cold noodles. Don't rush to Xingkai Lake right away; spend half a day exploring Hutou Town first. 📍The Hutou Fortress site is located in the town and is free to visit. The underground passage is always cool, so remember to bring a light jacket before going in, as the temperature difference is significant. After learning about the history, there are stalls selling grilled cold noodles at the entrance for 5 yuan a serving—sweet and sour, and much better than chain stores in the city. In the afternoon, head to Xingkai Lake. ⚠️Don't buy tickets for the speedboat ride at the scenic area entrance; it's 200 yuan for a ten-minute loop and not worth it. Walk east along the lake shore for ten minutes, and you'll find a free beach with shallow water and fine sand—locals often gather there like dumplings in a pot. ⏰After 6 pm, the light is softest, and the lake surface has a pinkish hue; no filter is needed for photos. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Hulin city center. Chain hotels are just over 100 yuan a night, half the price of lakeside guesthouses. A taxi to Xingkai Lake takes only 20 minutes. 🚄There are direct buses from Jixi Station to Hulin for 15 yuan, much cheaper than hiring a car. 02 Xinyang|Henan Summer in Xinyang is green and humid. Jigong Mountain is the main attraction, but don't expect to finish it in one day. ⏰Go up the mountain before 8 am. The fog hasn't dissipated yet, and the shade of the trees is cool, about 5-6 degrees Celsius lower than at the foot of the mountain. The cable car costs 60 yuan one way. I suggest only buying a ticket for the uphill section and walking down the trail. It takes about two hours to reach the foot of the mountain, lined with old villas, like stepping into a Republican-era movie. 🍜Don't rush off after descending the mountain. There's a "Lao Xinyang Hot Dry Noodles" shop at the foot of the mountain, 6 yuan a bowl. The sesame sauce is thicker than in Wuhan, perfect with a bowl of egg wine. ⚠️Thunderstorms are common on the mountain in the afternoon, so hiking poles and raincoats are essential. Don't be put off by the cheap plastic raincoats at the scenic area entrance (around 10 yuan each); they can be lifesavers. Avoid staying inside the scenic area; it's expensive and noisy. Back in Xinyang city, stay near the train station. You can find a clean standard room for 120 yuan. Take a walk along the Shi River in the evening; the breeze is refreshing, and locals stroll there. 🚄A taxi from Xinyang East Station to Jigong Mountain takes about 40 minutes; a shared ride costs 20 yuan per person. 03 Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu Gannan is a hidden gem for budget travel in August, but you need to know how to enjoy it. Visiting Zhagana and Langmusi on the same day is too rushed; separate them. Day 1: Zhagana. 📍Enter from Dongwa Village. Entrance fee is 80 yuan; half price for students. Don't take the scenic shuttle bus; the 40-minute hiking trail is the highlight. Along the way, you'll see Tibetan villages and prayer flags halfway up the mountain. Before 10 AM, the mist hasn't dissipated, making it feel like walking in a fairyland. Have lunch in the village with tsampa and butter tea—15 yuan for a filling meal. The next day is Langmusi. ⚠️The main hall closes at 4 PM, so go early if you want to visit. The Namo Canyon behind the temple is free. Walk upstream along the Bailong River for half an hour; you'll see the boundary between grassland and forest—a layered view that photos can't capture. Save Yeliguan and Gahai Lake for the third day. Gahai Lake is best visited at dusk. 🚄A chartered car from Langmusi costs 150 yuan one way; sharing with four people is the most cost-effective. The wetland boardwalk by the lake is free, and there are countless water birds, but it's windy, so make sure your hat is on tight. For accommodation, look for hostels in Langmusi town; a bed costs 40 yuan, and the conditions are better than expected. 04 Songyuan|Jilin Summer in Songyuan belongs to Chagan Lake, but let me pour some cold water on that: don't expect to see winter fishing in August; that's in December. In August, you'll see the lake and reed beds. 📍Jinchan Island is the highlight of Chagan Lake. The entrance fee is 30 yuan. The island is entirely sandy and covered in birch forests, like a secluded little paradise. ⏰Go to the island after 3 pm. The sunlight shines obliquely, casting long shadows, making for great photos. There are no restaurants on the island, so bring your own food and water, or buy a couple of roasted corns at the pier for 5 yuan each and enjoy them. Chagan Lake has a long shoreline. ⚠️Don't take a boat from the main entrance; it's 120 yuan for a round trip and not worth it. A five-minute drive north will take you to a small pier where local fishermen will take you on a small fishing boat for 50 yuan per person. A 40-minute boat ride will allow you to see water birds in the reed beds. For accommodation in Songyuan city, you can get a room at a Ji Hotel for 150 yuan, much cleaner than the lakeside guesthouses. 🚄A taxi from Songyuan Station to Chagan Lake takes about 40 minutes and costs 60 yuan. In the evening, return to the city and have a stewed bighead carp meal for 50 yuan per person – the soup is incredibly delicious! 05 Xianning|Hubei August in Xianning is a combination of bamboo forests and ancient battlefields, but don't try to see everything in one day; you'll be exhausted. The Chibi Ancient Battlefield is the highlight. ⚠️Tickets must be bought online one day in advance; buying them on-site costs 20 yuan more. The scenic area is large; walking around takes three hours. I recommend renting an audio guide for 20 yuan, otherwise you'll just see a bunch of rocks and statues. 📍The core of the ancient battlefield is the cliff carvings at Chibi Rock on the riverbank. Standing there, you can see Honghu Lake on the opposite bank of the Yangtze River; the wind is strong enough to blow your hat away. ⏰The light is best after 4:30 pm; the Yangtze River shimmers with golden light, and the vastness is worth the ticket price. 🍜After visiting the ancient battlefield, don't eat at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive and the food is terrible. Drive or take a taxi to "Laochengmen Fish Restaurant" in Chibi Town and have a hot pot of catfish. It costs about 60 yuan per person, and the fish is as tender as tofu. For accommodation, stay in Chibi city, about 20 kilometers from the scenic area. You can find a hotel with breakfast for 130 yuan. 🚄There are direct intercity trains from Xianning North Station to Chibi, taking half an hour and costing 15 yuan. 06 Baoji|Shaanxi Baoji is a popular summer retreat in August, with Taibai Mountain being the top choice. But don't be intimidated by the claim of being the "highest peak in the Qinling Mountains." 📍Buy tickets at the visitor center. The entrance fee plus the shuttle bus costs 150 yuan. Take the bus to Xiaban Temple at an altitude of 3,200 meters, then hike up to Tianyuan Difang. The round trip takes about two hours, with alpine meadows and fir forests along the way. ⏰Before 9 am, you can see a sea of ​​clouds; later, only fog remains. ⚠️The weather on Taibai Mountain changes extremely quickly. Temperatures can drop from 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain to only 10 degrees Celsius at the summit, so a windproof jacket is essential. If you're not physically fit, turn back when you reach the "Sky Round and Earth" area (a popular scenic spot in Taiwan), don't push yourself. The second option is Guanshan Grassland, which is more suitable for families. 🎫Entrance fee is 60 yuan. Horse riding on the grassland costs 80 yuan for half an hour, ⚠️but you can bargain down to 50 yuan. The grassland is windy, ⏰but the light softens after 4 pm, and the cattle grazing on the slopes create a particularly soothing scene. Leave Famen Temple and Dongshanfeng for the last day. The He Shi Relic Pagoda at Famen Temple is magnificent, but the entrance fee is 120 yuan (half price for students). If you're not interested in Buddhist culture, you can skip it. Dongshanfeng is a free, less-visited spot at the foot of Taibai Mountain, suitable for camping, with unbeatable stargazing at night. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Baoji city; you can find a well-established four-star hotel for 150 yuan, offering excellent value. 07 Qujing | Yunnan August in Qujing is a reversal of seasons for the rapeseed flower fields of Luoping—summer brings no flowers, but the lush green terraced fields and the Jiulong Waterfall Group are the main attractions. 📍The Jiulong Waterfall Group is a must-see. Tickets are 60 yuan, and a complete loop takes two hours. The ten-tiered waterfall cascades down in layers. ⏰Before 10 am, the water vapor is at its peak, making you feel like you've been showered in a fine mist when standing on the viewing platform. ⚠️Don't take the bamboo rafts in the scenic area; they cost 60 yuan for ten minutes. It's better to walk along the boardwalk. The rapeseed flower fields of Luoping transform into a sea of ​​rice paddies in August. 📍The Jinji Peak Forest is free to visit. Standing on the viewing platform, you can see rolling green waves, less bustling and more tranquil than in spring. 🍜Qujing's steamed rice noodles are the soul of the place. A bowl costs 8 yuan, served with sour soup and chili powder. Afterward, have a bowl of thin rice noodles for 5 yuan—it's satisfying. For accommodation, stay in Qujing city center. A decent business hotel can be found for 120 yuan. In the evening, go to Qilin Lane for barbecue; it's about 30 yuan per person. Grilled leeks and crispy tofu are must-orders. 🚄A taxi from Qujing Station to Jiulong Waterfall takes about an hour; a shared ride costs 40 yuan per person. 08 Ma'anshan|Anhui Ma'anshan is only half an hour by high-speed train from Nanjing, a hidden gem in the Yangtze River Delta. The Yangtze River Caishiji Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area is the core; 🎫entrance fee is 50 yuan, half price for students. 📍The essence of Caishiji is the riverside boardwalk. Enter from the north gate and walk along the Yangtze River for 20 minutes. You'll see steep cliffs and the rushing river. ⏰Around 5 pm, the sunset perfectly illuminates the river, creating a breathtaking scene more beautiful than any filter. The scenic area also features Taibai Tower, a three-story ancient building. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the entire river bend. ⚠️Don't take the electric bikes in the scenic area; they cost 20 yuan per section, and it only takes about 10 minutes to walk. 🍜Walk 500 meters east from the scenic area, there's a restaurant called "Caishiji Old Duck Soup." A bowl of duck soup noodles costs 12 yuan. The duck meat is stewed until it falls off the bone, the broth is rich, and the aftertaste is sweet. For accommodation, stay in Ma'anshan city center; it's a 15-minute taxi ride from the scenic area, and you can find a hotel with a river view for 130 yuan. 🚄Get off at Ma'anshan East Station, and take a taxi to Caishiji—it's a 20-minute ride and costs 25 yuan. August budget travel: avoid the crowds. These eight places are less crowded, beautiful, and inexpensive. Pick any one, and you can escape the crowds and heat. Which one do you plan to visit first? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll give you directions. Where to go for budget travel in August? These 8️⃣ places are less crowded, beautiful, and inexpensive 01 Jixi|Heilongjiang Summer in Jixi is a double paradise for escaping the heat and enjoying cold noodles. Don't rush to Xingkai Lake right away; spend half a day exploring Hutou Town first. 📍The Hulin Fortress site is located in the town and is free to visit. The underground passage is always cool, so remember to bring a light jacket as the temperature difference is significant. After viewing the history, there's a stall selling grilled cold noodles near the entrance for 5 yuan a serving—sweet and sour, much better than chain stores in the city. In the afternoon, head to Xingkai Lake. ⚠️Don't buy tickets for the speedboat ride at the scenic area entrance; it's 200 yuan for a ten-minute loop and not worth it. Walk east along the lake shore for ten minutes, and you'll find a free beach with shallow water and fine sand; locals often gather there. ⏰The light is softest after 6 PM, giving the lake a pinkish hue, perfect for photos without filters. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Hulin city. Chain hotels are around 100 yuan a night, half the price of lakeside guesthouses, and a taxi to Xingkai Lake takes only 20 minutes. 🚄There are direct buses from Jixi Station to Hulin for 15 yuan, much cheaper than hiring a car. 02 Xinyang | Henan Summer in Xinyang is green and humid. Jigong Mountain is the main attraction, but don't expect to finish it in one day. ⏰Go up the mountain before 8 am. The fog hasn't dissipated yet, and the shade of the trees is cool, about five or six degrees Celsius lower than at the foot of the mountain. The cable car costs 60 yuan one way; I suggest only buying a ticket for the uphill section and walking down the trail. It takes about two hours to reach the foot of the mountain, lined with old villas, like stepping into a period film. 🍜Don't rush off after descending. There's a "Lao Xinyang Hot Dry Noodles" shop at the foot of the mountain, 6 yuan a bowl. The sesame sauce is thicker than in Wuhan, and it goes perfectly with a bowl of egg drop soup. ⚠️Thunderstorms are common on the mountain in the afternoon, so hiking poles and raincoats are essential. Don't be put off by the 10-yuan plastic raincoats at the scenic area entrance; they can be lifesavers. Avoid staying inside the scenic area; it's expensive and noisy. Back in Xinyang city, stay near the train station. A clean standard room can be found for 120 yuan. In the evening, take a walk along the Shi River; the cool breeze is refreshing, and locals stroll there. 🚄Taking a taxi from Xinyang East Station to Jigong Mountain takes about 40 minutes; a shared ride costs 20 yuan per person. 03 Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu Gannan is a hidden gem for budget travel in August, but you need to know how to enjoy it. Visiting Zhagana and Langmusi on the same day is too rushed; separate them. Day 1: Zhagana. 📍Enter from Dongwa Village. Entrance fee is 80 yuan, half price for students. Don't take the scenic area shuttle bus; the 40-minute hiking trail is the highlight. Along the way, you can see Tibetan villages and prayer flags halfway up the mountain. ⏰Before 10 am, the mist hasn't dissipated yet, making it feel like walking in a fairyland. Have tsampa and butter tea for lunch in the village; 15 yuan is all you can eat. The next day, we visited Langmusi. ⚠️The main hall of the temple closes at 4 PM, so arrive early if you want to visit. The Namo Canyon behind the temple is free. A half-hour walk upstream along the Bailong River offers a stunning view of the boundary between grassland and forest – a breathtaking panorama that photos can't capture. We'll visit Yeliguan and Gahai Lake on the third day. Gahai Lake is best visited at dusk. 🚄A chartered car from Langmusi costs 150 yuan one way; sharing with four people is the most cost-effective. The wetland boardwalk by the lake is free, and there are countless water birds, but it's windy, so make sure your hat is on tight. For accommodation, look for hostels in Langmusi town; beds are 40 yuan each, and the conditions are better than expected. 04 Songyuan | Jilin Summer in Songyuan is all about Chagan Lake, but I have to pour some cold water on that: don't expect to see winter fishing in August; that's in December. In August, you'll see the lake and reed beds. 📍Jinchan Island is the highlight of Chagan Lake. The entrance fee is 30 yuan. The island is entirely sandy and covered in birch forests, like a secluded little paradise. ⏰Go to the island after 3 PM. The sunlight shines obliquely, casting long shadows, making for excellent photos. There are no restaurants on the island, so bring your own food and water, or buy two roasted corns at the pier for 5 yuan each and enjoy them. Chagan Lake has a long shoreline. ⚠️Don't take a boat from the main entrance; it's 120 yuan for a round trip and not worth it. A five-minute drive north will take you to a small pier where local fishermen will offer you a ride on a small fishing boat for 50 yuan per person. A 40-minute boat ride will allow you to see water birds in the reeds. For accommodation, stay in Songyuan city. For 150 yuan, you can get a room at a hotel of the same standard as Ji Hotel, much cleaner than the lakeside guesthouses. 🚄A taxi from Songyuan Station to Chagan Lake takes about 40 minutes and costs 60 yuan. In the evening, return to the city and have a stewed bighead carp for 50 yuan per person; the soup is incredibly delicious. 05 Xianning | Hubei August in Xianning is a combination of bamboo forests and ancient battlefields, but don't try to see everything in one day—you'll be exhausted. The Chibi Ancient Battlefield is the highlight. ⚠️Tickets must be purchased online one day in advance; buying them on-site costs 20 yuan more. The scenic area is vast; walking around takes about three hours. I recommend renting an audio guide (20 yuan), otherwise you'll just see a bunch of rocks and statues. 📍The core of the ancient battlefield is the cliff carvings. Standing on the Chibi rocky outcrop by the river, you can see Honghu Lake on the opposite bank of the Yangtze River; the wind is strong enough to blow your hat away. ⏰The light is best after 4:30 PM, when the Yangtze River shimmers with golden light. The vastness is worth the ticket price. 🍜After visiting the ancient battlefield, don't eat at the entrance of the scenic area; it's expensive and the food is terrible. Drive or take a taxi to "Laochengmen Fish Restaurant" in Chibi Town and have a hot pot of catfish. It costs about 60 yuan per person, and the fish is as tender as tofu. For accommodation, stay in Chibi city center, about 20 kilometers from the scenic area. A hotel with breakfast is available for 130 yuan. 🚄There's a direct intercity train from Xianning North Station to Chibi, taking half an hour and costing 15 yuan. 06 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is a popular summer retreat in August, with Taibai Mountain being the top choice. Don't be intimidated by its claim to be the "highest peak in the Qinling Mountains." 📍Buy tickets at the visitor center. The entrance fee plus the shuttle bus costs 150 yuan. Take the bus to Xiaban Temple (3200 meters above sea level), then hike up to Tianyuan Difang (Heavenly Round Land). The round trip takes two hours, passing through alpine meadows and fir forests. ⏰Before 9 am, you can see a sea of ​​clouds; later, only fog remains. ⚠️The weather on Taibai Mountain changes extremely quickly. Temperatures can drop from 30 degrees Celsius at the base to only 10 degrees Celsius at the summit. A windproof jacket is essential. If you're not physically fit, turn back at Tianyuan Difang; don't push yourself. The second option is Guanshan Grassland, which is more suitable for families. 🎫Entrance fee is 60 yuan. Horse riding on the grassland costs 80 yuan for half an hour; ⚠️bargaining can get you to 50 yuan. The grassland is windy, ⏰but the light softens after 4 pm, and the cattle grazing on the slopes create a particularly soothing scene. Leave Famen Temple and Dongshanfeng for the last day. The He Shi Relic Pagoda at Famen Temple is magnificent, but the entrance fee is 120 yuan, half price for students. If you're not interested in Buddhist culture, you can skip it. Dongshanfeng is a free, less-visited spot at the foot of Taibai Mountain, suitable for camping, with unbeatable starry skies at night. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Baoji city; 150 yuan can get you a well-established four-star hotel, excellent value. 07 Qujing|Yunnan August in Qujing is the reverse season for the Luoping rapeseed flower fields—there are no flowers in summer, but the lush green terraced fields and Jiulong Waterfall Group are the main attractions. 📍The Jiulong Waterfall Group is a must-see. Tickets are 60 yuan, and a complete loop takes about two hours. The ten-tiered waterfalls cascade down in layers. ⏰The mist is strongest before 10 AM, making you feel like you've been showered in a fine fog while standing on the viewing platform. ⚠️Don't take the bamboo rafts in the scenic area; they cost 60 yuan for ten minutes. It's better to walk along the boardwalk. The rapeseed flower fields in Luoping transform into rice paddies in August. 📍Jinji Peak Forest is free to visit. Standing on the viewing platform, you'll see rolling green waves, a tranquil scene less bustling than in spring. 🍜Qujing's steamed rice noodles are the soul of the place. A bowl costs 8 yuan, served with sour soup and chili powder. Afterward, have a bowl of thin bean noodles for 5 yuan – very satisfying. For accommodation, stay in Qujing city center; 120 yuan will get you a decent business hotel. In the evening, go to Qilin Lane for barbecue; it's about 30 yuan per person. Grilled leeks and crispy tofu are must-orders. 🚄A taxi from Qujing Station to Jiulong Waterfall takes about an hour; a shared ride costs 40 yuan per person. 08 Ma'anshan | Anhui Ma'anshan is only a half-hour high-speed train ride from Nanjing, a hidden gem in the Yangtze River Delta. The core of the area is the Yangtze River Caishiji Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area. 🎫Entrance fee is 50 yuan, half price for students. 📍The essence of Caishiji lies in the riverside boardwalk. Enter from the North Gate and walk along the Yangtze River for 20 minutes. You'll see steep cliffs and the surging river. ⏰Around 5 pm, the sunset perfectly illuminates the river, creating a breathtaking scene more beautiful than any filter. The scenic area also features the Taibai Tower, a three-story ancient building. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the entire river bend. ⚠️Don't take the electric vehicles in the scenic area; they cost 20 yuan per section, and the walk only takes about 10 minutes. 🍜Walk 500 meters east from the scenic area, and you'll find a restaurant called "Caishiji Old Duck Soup." A bowl of duck soup noodles costs 12 yuan. The duck meat is stewed until it falls off the bone, the broth is rich and flavorful, and the aftertaste is sweet. For accommodation, stay in Ma'anshan city center. It's a 15-minute taxi ride from the scenic area, and you can find a hotel with a river view for around 130 yuan. 🚄Get off at Ma'anshan East Station, and take a taxi to Caishiji (20 minutes, 25 yuan). For budget travel in August, avoid the crowds and popular spots. These eight places are less crowded, beautiful, and inexpensive. Choose any one to escape the crowds and heat. Which one do you plan to visit first? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll give you directions.

01 Yingtan | Jiangxi I recommend not just visiting Longhushan during the day. ⏰ Enter the scenic area after 4:00 PM. Most tourists have left, the Danxia landforms are bathed in a golden-red sunset, and bamboo rafts drift slowly along the Luxi River—that's when it's at its best. The 2-day ticket including the sightseeing bus is about CNY 230. Remember to bring your student ID for half-price. 📍 It's about a 30-minute taxi ride from Yingtan North Station, or CNY 20 per person for a ride-share. Stay at a homestay near the entrance for around CNY 150 for a clean standard room; don't stay in the city, as it wastes time traveling back and forth. ⚠️ The rafting queue is long during peak season, so I recommend catching the first bamboo raft, which starts at 7:30 AM. 02 Tongren | Guizhou Fanjingshan isn't for the lazy, but you don't have to hike until your legs give out. If you aren't very fit, skip the steep stairs at the Red Cloud Golden Summit and take the Old Golden Summit loop instead—you can still see the sea of clouds. ⏰ Arrive at the mountain gate before 8:00 AM to avoid tour groups and save an hour of waiting for the cable car. The ticket plus round-trip cable car is about CNY 210. Book one day in advance via the official account, as tickets often sell out on-site. The sour fish soup at Zhaisha Dong Village at the foot of the mountain is worth trying for about CNY 50 per person, as the broth is flavorful. ⚠️ The weather in the mountains changes quickly. A raincoat is more practical than an umbrella, and it's windy at the summit, so don't think a thin down jacket is overkill. 03 Shannan | Tibet The beauty of Yamdrok Lake is free, but you need to calculate your travel costs carefully. Chartering a car from Lhasa costs about CNY 200 per person for a 4-person ride-share. The driver will stop at a few fixed viewing platforms, but don't rush to get off—ask the driver to go a bit further to the lakeside near Dongla Township, where there are fewer people and the water is a purer blue. ⏰ The light is best before 11:00 AM; the wind picks up in the afternoon and the lake turns gray. At an altitude of 4,400 meters, you'll get breathless after walking a few steps, so don't run or jump. Bring a bottle of oxygen just in case. It's CNY 25 per bottle in town. ⚠️ There are locals with yaks by the lake for photos. Ask the price before taking pictures—it's usually CNY 20 per session. Negotiate the price before you start shooting to avoid disputes later. 04 Shizuishan | Ningxia Shahu is half desert and half lake. It sounds magical, but you need to be strategic about how you explore it. Take a boat to the desert area first and enjoy sand sliding and camel riding while it's cool in the morning. ⏰ The sun is harsh at noon, so hide in the reed marshes by the lake to cool off. The ticket plus boat ride is CNY 120, and sand sliding is an extra CNY 30. 📍 Don't miss the sand onion buns sold at the entrance; they're CNY 8 each and more substantial than the boxed lunches inside. ⚠️ The UV rays in the desert are strong, so reapply sunscreen every two hours and keep your hat and sunglasses on. If you have children, don't rent those tandem bicycles—it's impossible to pedal in the sand and just a waste of money. 05 Baoji | Shaanxi Don't try to do both Taibai Mountain and Famen Temple in one day; I suggest splitting them into two days. Reserve the first day for Taibai Mountain. Take the scenic area bus to Honghuaping, then transfer to the cable car to Daye Lake. ⏰ It gets foggy at the summit after 3:00 PM, so go early rather than late. The ticket plus round-trip cable car is CNY 230. Rent a windbreaker at the foot of the mountain for CNY 20—it's windy at the top, so don't skimp on this. Go to Famen Temple on the second day. 📍 The finger bone relic in the underground palace of the Namaste Dagoba is only open for viewing on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month; otherwise, you can only see replicas, so check the dates before you go. Guanshan Grassland is in the other direction; if you're short on time, cut it out, as it's a four-hour round trip and not worth it. 06 Changzhi | Shanxi Baquan Gorge is the most impressive part of the Taihang Mountains, but if you don't want to be squeezed into a photo, ⏰ rush in as soon as the park opens at 8:00 AM and take the boat route first to go against the flow of the crowd. The combo ticket for the entrance, boat, and cable car is CNY 180, as buying them separately isn't cost-effective. It's cool in the canyon—seven or eight degrees lower than outside in summer—so you might even feel cold in short sleeves. 📍 The Huguan mutton soup with flatbread sold at the entrance is CNY 25 a bowl. The broth is rich and the meat is tender, making it perfect for fueling up before hiking. ⚠️ If you enter the park after 2:00 PM on a weekend, the queues will make you question your life choices, so try to avoid it. 07 Chuzhou | Anhui The most valuable thing about Langya Mountain is the poetic atmosphere of "wild flowers blooming with a faint fragrance," yet the ticket is only CNY 80, with half-price for students. ⏰ Enter the mountain at 7:00 AM and walk slowly along the ancient path by Zuiweng Pavilion. The stone path is lined with old trees, and the air is humid and fresh. It takes about an hour and a half to climb to Nantian Gate, where you can see the entire city of Chuzhou from the summit. 📍 There is a "Lao Zhou Tangbao" on Langya Road, where a basket of fresh meat buns and a bowl of spicy soup will fill you up for CNY 12. ⚠️ Don't buy the "Langya Crispy Candy" sold in the scenic area—the same product is half the price in the supermarket. If you're with elderly people or children, take the sightseeing bus up the mountain for CNY 20 one way. Don't force the hike. 08 Nanning | Guangxi Qingxiu Mountain is an underrated treasure with a CNY 20 ticket that lets you explore for a whole day. ⏰ Enter the park after 5:30 PM for half-price tickets, just in time to catch the sunset shining through the palm trees and casting light spots on the ground—no filters needed for photos. 📍 Sit for a while under the thousand-year-old Bodhi tree at Guanyin Zen Temple; when the wind blows, you'll feel completely at peace. Fubo Temple is by the Yongjiang River, a bit far from the city center and requiring two bus transfers, but it's worth it. The ancient bell in the temple can be heard across half the river when struck. ⚠️ Nanning is muggy in the summer, so don't stay outdoors between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM—hide in the Rainforest Pavilion in the scenic area to enjoy the air conditioning. Go to the Zhongshan Road night market in the evening, where a bowl of Laoyou rice noodles is CNY 12. The sour bamboo shoots have a strong smell, but they're addictive. Of these eight places, I personally prefer Yingtan and Chuzhou—they have fewer crowds, cost less, and the scenery is just as good. If you only have a three-day holiday, just pick one province to visit; don't try to do too much. Let me know in the comments: which one do you want to visit first?

Retire and Slow Travel in China: 8 Cities Perfect for Leisurely Exploration 1️⃣ Baoji | Shaanxi Taibai Mountain isn't a one-stop climb. Take the cable car to Tianyuan Difang, then walk up a wooden boardwalk at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. It's windy, but the sea of ​​clouds rolls right beneath your feet. I recommend arriving at the visitor center before 9 AM; it's less crowded then, and the lighting is better. Don't rush down the mountain. There's a town called Tangyu in the Honghe Valley direction; soak in a hot spring before heading back to the city—it'll make your legs feel much lighter. The He Shi Relic Pagoda at Famen Temple is magnificent from afar, but the Tang Dynasty artifacts unearthed from the underground palace are even more worth seeing. There are many old objects; a leisurely two-hour visit is recommended. ⚠️ Some exhibition halls are closed on Monday mornings, so don't make a wasted trip. Guanshan Grassland is best visited from June to September; the grass is incredibly green, unlike anything you'd see in Northwest China. Staying in a yurt, stargazing at night, and waking up to the sound of cows in the morning is much more interesting than staying in a hotel. The name "Dongshanfeng" sounds cold, but it's actually a small scenic spot right on the edge of the city. Go around 6 PM; the sun turns the mountain ridges golden, and the wind blowing in from the valley is especially refreshing in summer. In Baoji, you can find delicious cold noodles and vinegar noodles at any old shop. 📍 There's an unassuming cold noodle stall next to "Lao Ba Mi Xian" on Jing'er Road; locals always have a queue. 2️⃣ Jingdezhen|Jiangxi Taoxichuan is best visited in the evening. It's a cultural and creative area converted from an old porcelain factory. The red brick factory buildings are brightly lit, even more beautiful than during the day. There's an art museum inside; the entrance fee is reasonable, and the exhibits change frequently. After you've finished exploring, don't rush off. There's a café nearby where you can sit outdoors and watch the sunset over the chimneys—very peaceful. The Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Exhibition Area is another story. Here you can see master craftsmen throwing clay and painting blue and white porcelain on-site, which is more interesting than seeing finished products in a museum. There are porcelain music performances at 10 AM and 2 PM, where music is played on porcelain—quite novel. The park is quite large, but the paths are flat, so elderly people can walk slowly without getting tired. 🍜 For food, go near the sculpture porcelain factory. The small restaurants there make clay-baked chicken and alkaline rice cakes, which you can't find elsewhere. If you're short on time and have to choose between Taoxichuan and the Ancient Kiln, I'd choose the Ancient Kiln. You can visit Taoxichuan in the evening, but it's more worthwhile to save the daytime visit for the Ancient Kiln. 3️⃣ Heyuan|Guangdong At Wanlv Lake, don't just look at the surface; look at the color of the water. On a sunny afternoon at 3 pm, the sunlight shines obliquely, making the water a vibrant green, like a large piece of jade. A boat trip on the lake takes about an hour, with commentary on board, but it can be windy, so remember to bring a light jacket. ⚠️ The last boat departs at 4:30 pm, don't miss it. There's a scenic area called Jinghuayuan by the lake. It's not large, but walking along the boardwalk, you can see reflections in the lake bay. This spot is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Breakfast in Heyuan city is worth saving a separate meal for; pig's feet noodles and radish cakes are local staples. 📍 Xinxing Road in the old city is busiest around 7 or 8 am, with roadside stalls serving freshly cooked soup noodles. 🚄 The train journey from Guangzhou East Station to Heyuan takes about two hours, and a taxi from the station to Wanlv Lake takes about twenty minutes. If you're traveling with elderly people, it's recommended to stay overnight by the lake and visit Jinghuayuan the next morning; the lake view in the morning mist is completely different from the afternoon. 4️⃣ Nanjing|Jiangsu The Presidential Palace needs to be visited early. It opens at 8:30 am, so it's best to arrive at the entrance by 8:10 am to queue, otherwise the corridors will be packed with people once tour groups enter. Inside, it's divided into the central axis, the West Garden, and the East Area; walking around takes at least two and a half hours. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays; don't schedule your itinerary for Mondays. Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River are more charming at night than during the day. When the lights come on, the river reflects the light, making it even more beautiful than in photos. Don't eat snacks on the main street of Confucius Temple; they're expensive and mediocre. Walk a few steps towards Wuyi Lane; there's a duck blood vermicelli soup stall at the alley entrance, a local favorite. Niushou Mountain is best visited in the afternoon. The exterior of the Buddha Palace is impressive, but I recommend taking the sightseeing bus to the top and walking down—it saves energy. Xuanwu Lake is best visited in the evening. Enter from Jiefang Gate and walk one kilometer along the lake embankment to see the reflection of the Zifeng Tower in the lake. It's windy by the lake, so elderly people should bring extra layers. 5️⃣ Xinzhou|Shanxi The awe-inspiring aspect of Yanmen Pass is standing at the pass, with the wind rushing in from the valleys on both sides; you suddenly understand why the ancients built the pass here. There are many steps, but there are platforms to rest at intervals. For those with average stamina, you can turn back after reaching the Goose Tower; you've already seen enough scenery. Laoniu Bay is on the banks of the Yellow River, and the best time to see it is at sunset. The Yellow River water here is green, not yellow. As the sun sets, the cliffs are bathed in gold, and the river shimmers. 📍 There's a viewing platform at the entrance of the scenic area; you don't need to venture deep inside to get a good vantage point. Wutai Mountain is a different story altogether—it's vast, with numerous temples, and you can't see it all in a day. My advice is to choose only two or three core temples, such as Xiantong Temple and Tayuan Temple, and explore them at your leisure. Don't try to see everything at once. 🍜 The food street in Xinzhou Ancient City is most lively around 7 or 8 pm. The oat noodles and Dingxiang steamed meat are worth trying. ⚠️ Accommodation within the Wutai Mountain scenic area is relatively expensive and the conditions are average. I recommend staying outside Taihuai Town, where it's much cheaper. 6️⃣ Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture|Yunnan Puzhehei—the name is a mouthful, but the scenery is not. The best way to experience it is by taking a small willow-leaf boat and drifting slowly on the lake. The water is very clear, and the aquatic plants sway beneath the boat. In summer, the lotus flowers bloom, and boats glide through the lotus leaves, creating a scene more beautiful than any park. The entire trip takes about an hour; the boatman rows slowly, perfect for taking photos. 🕐 From 6:30 to 7:30 in the morning, a thin mist hangs over the lake, making it the most enchanting time of day. Many people are unaware of this time and arrive around 9 or 10 am, when the sun is already high. Most guesthouses in the village can help book boat tickets, which are slightly cheaper than buying them on-site. ⚠️ The roads in Puzhehei Village are paved with stone slabs, making it difficult to pull a suitcase; a soft-sided bag is recommended. For food, the Lotus Banquet at the village entrance is highly recommended; the lotus leaf chicken and fried lotus flowers are both fresh. If you have extra time, you can rent an electric scooter to go to Qinglong Mountain. The mountain isn't high, but the summit offers a panoramic view of the entire lake. 7️⃣ Changchun|Jilin The Puppet Emperor's Palace Museum vividly depicts the life of the last emperor. The architecture itself is interesting, a blend of Chinese and Western styles, like a microcosm of that era. I recommend taking the free guided tour; it's much clearer than trying to see it on your own. The whole tour takes about two hours, mostly indoors, and rain won't affect your experience. Jingyuetan is in another direction. It's huge, so don't expect to see everything. Take a sightseeing bus to the lakeside near the ski resort, then walk along the wooden boardwalk for a while to see the water and forest. Autumn is the most beautiful, with the poplar leaves turning yellow and falling to the ground. It's also cool in summer, two or three degrees lower than the city center. Changchun World Sculpture Park: I thought it would be boring, but I ended up spending almost three hours there. Works by sculptors from various countries are scattered on the lawn, with diverse styles, making it anything but dull. Changying Century City is suitable for taking grandchildren; older people might find it too noisy. 🍜 For dinner, go to Guilin Road Market; fried chicken and grilled cold noodles are classic Changchun late-night snacks. 8️⃣ Dandong|Liaoning The Yalu River Broken Bridge is a must-see. Standing in the middle of the bridge, you can see North Korea on the other side, and you can see houses and people on the opposite bank. Go around 5 PM when the light is softest, casting long shadows on the bridge piers. ⚠️ It's windy on the bridge, so hold your hat tight. Phoenix Mountain is suitable for seniors with good stamina. The cable car goes halfway up the mountain, but the path along the Old Ox Back is narrow and the steps are steep, so those with knee problems shouldn't push themselves. If you just want to enjoy the scenery, taking the cable car to the Tiger Head Peak viewing platform is enough; the Phoenix Mountain gate at the foot of the mountain is also worth taking a photo of. Of the two places, Kuandian River Estuary and Lvjiang Village, Lvjiang Village is highly recommended. The village is quiet, the Yalu River flows past it, and the mountains of North Korea are on the opposite bank. Stay overnight, and wake up to see the morning mist on the river—more therapeutic than any other tourist attraction. 🍜 Don't miss the Korean cold noodles and grilled clams in Dandong city, especially the grilled clams—they're plump and juicy, and paired with an ice-cold beer, they're incredibly satisfying. 🚄 A taxi from Dandong Station to the Broken Bridge costs less than ten yuan; it's very close. After visiting eight cities, what I miss most are the mornings in Lvjiang Village and the hand-pulled noodles in Baoji. Which city are you planning to visit first after retirement? Let's chat in the comments, maybe we can even find travel buddies. Retirement Travel in China at a Slower Pace: These 8 Cities are Perfect for Leisurely Exploration 1️⃣ Baoji|Shaanxi Taibai Mountain isn't a climb you can do in one go. Take the cable car to Tianyuan Difang, then walk up a wooden boardwalk. At an altitude of over 3,000 meters, it's windy, but the sea of ​​clouds rolls right below you. I suggest arriving at the visitor center before 9 am; it's less crowded then, and the lighting is better. Don't rush down the mountain. There's a town called Tangyu in the direction of Honghe Valley; soak in a hot spring before heading back to the city, and your legs will feel much lighter. The He Shi Relic Pagoda at Famen Temple is magnificent from afar, but the Tang Dynasty artifacts unearthed from the underground palace are even more worth seeing. There are many old objects; a leisurely visit will take about two hours. ⚠️ Some exhibition halls are closed on Monday mornings, so don't make a wasted trip. Guanshan Grassland is best visited from June to September, when the grass is so green it doesn't feel like it belongs in Northwest China. Staying in a yurt, stargazing at night, and waking up to the sound of cows is much more enjoyable than staying in a hotel. Dongshanfeng (Frozen Mountain Wind) sounds cold, but it's actually a small scenic spot right on the edge of the city. Go around 6 pm; the sun turns the mountain ridges golden, and the wind blowing from the valley is especially refreshing in summer. In Baoji, you can find delicious cold noodles and vinegar noodles at any old shop. 📍 There's an unassuming cold noodle stall next to "Lao Ba Mi Xian" on Jing'er Road; locals always queue up. 2️⃣ Jingdezhen|Jiangxi Taoxichuan is best visited in the evening. It's a cultural and creative area converted from an old porcelain factory; the red brick factory buildings are even more beautiful when lit up than during the day. There's an art museum inside; the entrance fee is reasonable, and the exhibits change frequently. After you've finished exploring, don't rush off; there's a cafe nearby where you can sit outdoors and watch the sunset over the chimneys—very peaceful. The Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area is another story altogether. Here you can see master craftsmen throwing clay and painting blue and white porcelain on-site, which is more interesting than seeing finished products in a museum. There are porcelain music performances at 10 am and 2 pm, where they play tunes by striking porcelain pieces, which is quite novel. The park is not small, but the paths are flat, so elderly people can walk slowly without getting tired. 🍜 For food, go to the area near the sculpture porcelain factory. The small restaurants there make clay-baked chicken and alkaline rice cakes, which you can't find elsewhere. If you're short on time and have to choose between Taoxichuan and the Ancient Kiln, I'd choose the Ancient Kiln. You can go to Taoxichuan in the evening, but it's more worthwhile to save the daytime for the Ancient Kiln. 3️⃣ Heyuan|Guangdong At Wanlv Lake, don't just look at the surface; look at the color of the water. On a sunny afternoon at 3 pm, the sunlight shines obliquely, and the water is emerald green, like a large piece of jade has been soaked in it. The boat tour on the lake takes about an hour, with commentary on board, but it can be windy, so remember to bring a light jacket. ⚠️ The last boat departs at 4:30 pm, don't miss it. There's a scenic area called Jinghuayuan by the lake. It's not large, but walking along the boardwalk, you can see reflections in the lake bay. This spot is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Breakfast in Heyuan city is worth saving for a separate meal; pig's feet noodles and radish cakes are local staples. 📍 Xinxing Road in the old city is busiest around 7 or 8 am, with roadside stalls serving freshly cooked soup noodles. 🚄 It takes about two hours by train from Guangzhou East Station to Heyuan, and about 20 minutes by taxi from the station to Wanlv Lake. If you're traveling with elderly people, it's recommended to stay overnight by the lake and visit Jinghuayuan the next morning. The lake view in the morning mist is completely different from the afternoon. 4️⃣ Nanjing|Jiangsu You need to arrive early for the Presidential Palace. It opens at 8:30 am, so it's best to arrive at the entrance by 8:10 am to queue, otherwise the corridors will be packed with people once tour groups enter. Inside, it's divided into the central axis, the West Garden, and the East Area; walking around the entire area takes at least two and a half hours. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays; don't schedule your itinerary for Mondays. The Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River have a more charming atmosphere at night than during the day. When the lights come on, the river reflects the light, making it even more beautiful than in photos. However, avoid eating snacks on the main street of the Confucius Temple; they are expensive and mediocre. Walk a few steps towards Wuyi Lane; there's a duck blood vermicelli soup stall at the entrance of the lane, a popular spot for locals. Niushou Mountain is best visited in the afternoon. The exterior of the Buddha Palace is impressive, but it's recommended to take the sightseeing bus to the top and walk down, saving energy. Xuanwu Lake is best visited in the evening. Enter from Jiefang Gate and walk one kilometer along the lake embankment to see the reflection of the Zifeng Tower in the lake. It's windy by the lake, so elderly people should bring extra clothing. 5️⃣ Xinzhou|Shanxi The awe-inspiring aspect of Yanmen Pass is standing at the pass, with the wind rushing in from the valleys on both sides, suddenly understanding why the ancients built the pass here. There are many steps, but there are platforms to rest at intervals. For those with average stamina, you can turn back after reaching the Goose Tower; you've already seen enough scenery. Laoniu Bay is located on the banks of the Yellow River, and its most worthwhile attraction is at sunset. Here, the Yellow River water is green, not yellow. As the sun sets, the cliffs are dyed gold, and the river surface shimmers. 📍 There's a viewing platform at the entrance of the scenic area; you don't need to venture deep into the area to get a good vantage point. Wutai Mountain is a different story altogether; it's vast, with numerous temples, and you can't see everything in a day. My suggestion is to choose only two or three core temples, such as Xiantong Temple and Tayuan Temple, and explore them slowly, without trying to see everything. 🍜 The snack street in Xinzhou Ancient City is most lively around 7 or 8 pm; the oat noodles and Dingxiang steamed meat are worth trying. ⚠️ Accommodation within the Wutai Mountain scenic area is relatively expensive, and the conditions are generally basic. I recommend staying outside Taihuai Town, where it's much cheaper. 6️⃣ Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture|Yunnan Puzhehei—the name is difficult to pronounce, but the scenery is not. The most recommended way to experience the lake is by taking a small willow-leaf boat and drifting slowly. The water is crystal clear, and the water plants sway gently beneath the boat. In summer, when the lotus flowers bloom, the boat weaving through the leaves is more beautiful than any park. The entire trip takes about an hour; the boatman rows slowly, perfect for taking photos. 🕐 From 6:30 to 7:30 in the morning, a thin mist hangs over the lake, making it the most enchanting time of day. Many people are unaware of this time and arrive around 9 or 10 am, when the sun is already strong. Most guesthouses in the village can help book boat tickets, which is slightly cheaper than buying them on-site. ⚠️ The roads in Puzhehei Village are paved with stone slabs, making it difficult to drag a suitcase; a soft-sided bag is recommended. For food, the Lotus Feast restaurant at the village entrance is recommended; the lotus leaf chicken and fried lotus flowers are both fresh. If you have extra time, you can rent an electric scooter to go to Qinglong Mountain. The mountain isn't high, but the summit offers a panoramic view of the entire lake. 7️⃣ Changchun|Jilin The Puppet Emperor's Palace Museum clearly tells the story of the last emperor's reign. The architecture itself is interesting, a blend of Chinese and Western styles, like a microcosm of that era. I recommend taking the free guided tour; it's much more helpful than trying to see it on your own. The whole tour takes about two hours, mostly indoors, and rain won't affect your experience. Jingyuetan is in another direction. It's large, so don't expect to see everything. Take a sightseeing bus to the lakeside near the ski resort, then walk along the wooden boardwalk to see the water and forest. Autumn is the most beautiful, with the poplar leaves turning yellow and falling to the ground. It's also cool in summer, two or three degrees lower than the city center. Changchun World Sculpture Park: I initially thought it would be boring, but I ended up spending almost three hours there. Works by sculptors from various countries are scattered on the lawn, with diverse styles, making it anything but dull. Changying Century City is suitable for bringing grandchildren; older people might find it too noisy. 🍜 For dinner, we went to Guilin Road Market. Fried chicken and grilled cold noodles are classic late-night snacks for Changchun locals. 8️⃣ Dandong|Liaoning The Broken Bridge over the Yalu River is a must-see. Standing in the middle of the bridge, you can see North Korea on the other side and the houses and people on the opposite bank. Go around 5 pm when the light is softest, and the shadows of the bridge piers are very long. ⚠️ It's windy on the bridge, so hold your hat tight. Phoenix Mountain is suitable for older people with good stamina. The cable car goes to the halfway point, but the path on Laoniubei (Old Ox Back) is narrow and the steps are steep, so those with knee problems shouldn't push themselves. If you just want to enjoy the scenery, taking the cable car to the Hutoufeng (Tiger Head Peak) viewing platform is enough. The Phoenix Mountain gate at the foot of the mountain is also worth taking a photo of. Of the two places, Kuandian River Estuary and Lüjiang Village, Lüjiang Village is more recommended. The village is quiet, the Yalu River flows past it, and the mountains on the opposite bank are in North Korea. Stay overnight and wake up to see the morning mist on the river—it's more healing than any other tourist attraction. 🍜 Don't miss the Korean cold noodles and grilled clams in Dandong city, especially the grilled clams—they're plump and juicy, and paired with an ice-cold beer, it's incredibly satisfying. 🚄 A taxi from Dandong Station to the Broken Bridge costs less than ten yuan; it's very close. Having visited eight cities, what I miss most are the mornings in Lvjiang Village and the hand-pulled noodles in Baoji. Which city do you plan to visit first after retirement? Let's chat in the comments; maybe we can even find travel buddies.

Summer vacation guide for kids’ outings, 8 hidden gems with few crowds and beautiful scenery 01 Shijiazhuang | Hebei When bringing kids to Shijiazhuang, don’t just focus on one spot. The Xibaipo area is spacious with plenty of shade, perfect for elementary school kids to stroll while listening to stories. When tired, rest on the lawn. ⚠️ The sun is strong after 10 AM in summer. Try to start early. Enter the park at 8:30 AM and visit the outdoor area first. After 11 AM, switch to the indoor exhibits to avoid the harsh sun. Zhaozhou Bridge is better for younger kids. The bridge surface is flat, making it easy to push strollers. Nearby, a small square sells liangpi noodles and sour plum juice. 🍜 A bowl of liangpi costs 5 yuan and is small but kids like it. After 3 PM, the light hits the bridge arches at an angle, making photos look much better than at noon. 🚄 It’s about a 40-minute drive from downtown Shijiazhuang. Parking costs 10 yuan per visit. Don’t trust the “shortcut” tricycles that wave you down on the roadside—they take a longer route and cost more. 02 Qingdao | Shandong In Qingdao, the sea breeze blows away the summer heat. Laoshan is suitable for kids in middle school or older who have the stamina. Take the Yangkou route to see where the mountains meet the sea. Take the cable car up and hike a short distance—it’s not too tiring. Younger kids shouldn’t attempt the full route. Instead, explore around Taiqing Palace, where the paths are flat and shaded. The Zhanqiao Pier excites every first-time visitor. 📍 At low tide, you can find small crabs in the rock crevices. Remember to wear non-slip shoes because the algae-covered rocks are very slippery. The Olympic Sailing Center is best visited in the evening. ⏰ After 5:30 PM, the sea breeze cools down. When sailboats dock, you can see rows of white masts. Kids can safely run along the seawall. ⚠️ Don’t buy “deep-sea lobster” teppanyaki at the scenic area entrance. It’s expensive and not fresh. Walk two blocks to the market to buy seafood and have it cooked there—you’ll save half the price. 03 Beihai | Guangxi The sun in Beihai is intense, but the water at Weizhou Island is crystal clear. For families with elementary school kids, it’s best to stay overnight on the island instead of a day trip. After 3 PM, most tourists leave, and the beach is just you and your kids collecting shells. That kind of quiet is priceless. ⏰ Go to Wucai Beach at 6:30 AM to watch the sunrise. After the tide recedes, you can find small sea snails in the volcanic rock crevices. Kids can spend an hour digging. Beihai Silver Beach is better in the evening. The beach is flat with gentle waves, perfect for younger kids to splash in the water. ⚠️ Silver Beach is free, but freshwater showers cost 10 yuan per use. It’s better to bring a large bottle of water to rinse your feet by the roadside. 🍜 At Qiaogang Style Street, kids generally love the Vietnamese rice rolls and sweet soups. A bowl of sweet soup costs 5 or 6 yuan, much cheaper than the 20-yuan coconut jelly sold inside the scenic area. Buy boat tickets to Weizhou Island three days in advance on the official account. During peak summer season, tickets are usually sold out on the day. 04 Zhaoqing | Guangdong Zhaoqing’s Star Lake is one of the few places in Guangdong where kids can quietly enjoy the scenery. The entire lake is surrounded by green trees. The lakeside trail is well shaded, so pushing a stroller won’t be hot. Younger kids can take a 40-minute boat ride around the lake, enjoying the cool breeze. Elementary school kids prefer exploring the caves at Seven Star Crags. It’s cool inside like air conditioning, but the ground is slippery. ⚠️ Be sure to wear non-slip sandals. ⏰ Enter the park after 2 PM. The angled light on the stone forest looks better than at noon, and you avoid the peak travel group crowds. 🎫 Tickets that include the boat ride are more cost-effective. Buying separately is expensive. Check the official prices posted on the day. 🚄 It’s about a 30-minute taxi ride from Zhaoqing East Station. Ride-hailing apps are about 10 yuan cheaper than taxis. 05 Zunyi | Guizhou Zunyi’s summer mornings and evenings are cool like natural air conditioning. The sun is strong during the day, but it cools down quickly in the shade. The Chishui Danxia Scenic Area suits kids in elementary school or older. The colors of the Danxia landform are stunning. Kids will stare at the red cliffs and ask why they are red. The trails are well maintained but have many steps. Younger kids will get tired walking the whole route. It’s best to only hike the Fogong Rock section, which takes about 1.5 hours round trip—just right for their stamina. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the mountains. Wear long pants and long sleeves. Mosquito repellent won’t work well; bring insect repellent spray. 🍜 The Chishui tofu pudding rice near the entrance costs 10 yuan per serving. The tofu pudding is soft and flavorful. Kids can eat a bowl with rice. ⏰ Enter the mountain at 8 AM for the coolest time. After 11 AM, it gets hot, so start heading out. 06 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is great for families wanting kids to experience nature and history, but you need to choose the right activities. Don’t hike the entire Taibai Mountain with kids. Take the cable car to Xiabansi, then walk a short wooden plank trail to see the sea of clouds. Elementary school kids can handle this easily. ⏰ The temperature on the mountain is 7–8 degrees cooler than at the base. Bring a light jacket in summer. ⚠️ The cable car line is long. Arrive before 9 AM to avoid waiting an hour. The Famen Temple Buddhist cultural area is better for middle school kids interested in history. Younger kids may find it boring. Guanshan Grassland is good for family camping. You can see stars at night, but the temperature drops sharply. ⏰ After 8 PM, it falls to about 15 degrees. Bring fleece jackets for kids. 🚄 It’s a one-hour drive from Baoji city to Taibai Mountain. A round-trip private car costs about 300 yuan. Carpooling is more economical. 07 Nanyang | Henan Nanyang’s Xixia Funiu Mountain Old Jieling Dinosaur Site Park is a paradise for elementary school boys. The dinosaur skeletons and models are huge. Kids won’t want to leave once inside. 📍 The dinosaur egg fossil exhibit is the highlight. Kids can see real egg fossils embedded in rock layers, much more vivid than in books. ⏰ Spend the morning at the dinosaur park, then head up the mountain to Old Jieling to escape the heat. The mountain has many trees and is 5–6 degrees cooler than the base. The trails are gentle, suitable for elders and kids. ⚠️ The cultural ice cream in the park costs 18 yuan and tastes average. Don’t buy it. 🍜 The roadside stall outside the park sells wild vegetable buns for 3 yuan each with generous fillings. 🎫 Tickets and electric cart rides are sold separately. Don’t skip the cart ticket; the park is large and walking is tiring. 08 Lishui | Zhejiang Lishui’s summer is one of the few places in Zhejiang where you can truly relax. Yunhe terraced fields are best visited early morning. ⏰ Arrive at the viewing platform by 6:30 AM. The morning mist hasn’t cleared, and the water in the terraces reflects the sky. Kids will quietly watch for a long time. Kids below elementary school may find it boring, but older kids will love this “painting-like” scenery. Jinyun Xiandu is better for kids who like to run and jump. The creek is shallow and clear, perfect for cooling off in summer. But the rocks are slippery. ⚠️ Wear water shoes; regular sandals can cause sprains. Qingtian Shimen Cave is a pleasant surprise. The pool under the waterfall makes kids want to jump in. The water is shallow, but parents should watch closely. 🍜 The Jinyun sesame seed cake at the entrance to Xiandu costs 6 yuan each. The preserved vegetable filling is tasty. Kids can eat two if hungry. 🚄 It’s a one-hour drive from Lishui city to Yunhe. The mountain roads are winding. Give kids motion sickness medicine in advance if needed. Among these eight places, I personally prefer Qingdao and Lishui—one lively, one quiet—both perfect for a slow summer vacation. How old is your child? Which place do you want to visit first? Share in the comments, and I’ll help you plan your route.