Avoid the National Day crowds: 4 low-key cities to save for your trip
📍Liaocheng
Liaocheng feels like an ancient city held up by water. Dongchang Lake surrounds the old town like an island, and once you walk in, the pace naturally slows down. If you want to avoid the National Day crowds, this is the place—lake breezes blow through the city, and the stone paths hide old stories. Two days is just right.
Day 1
In the morning, head to Dongchang Lake. The lake is expansive, with willow trees drooping over the water. Stroll along the shore, and you might see a boat glide by; it is quiet enough to hear the water. From the lakeside, you can easily see the Guangyue Tower standing in the center of the ancient city. You can spot the roof from far away. Climb up and take a look around, and you will see the lake and the layers of old rooftops right before your eyes. For lunch, find a small restaurant nearby and order some Liaocheng Guada (a crispy pancake) with a bowl of Hulatang (spicy soup) to warm your stomach. In the afternoon, visit the Shan-Shaan Guild Hall; the brick and wood carvings are incredibly detailed, and every part of the courtyard is worth a slow look. Stay near Dongchang Lake for the night, and go for a walk to see the night views—the reflections of the lights along the Ancient Grand Canal are very peaceful.
Day 2
On the second day, walk along the Ancient Grand Canal. The old houses and stone paths on both sides of the river are perfect for photos. There is no need to rush; just walk and stop as you please. In the morning, you can also visit the other side of Dongchang Lake and find a small pier to sit and enjoy the breeze. For lunch, try some Wei's smoked chicken—the meat is firm and gets more flavorful the more you chew. Pack up in the afternoon; two days is neither rushed nor idle, just right for someone looking to change the pace.
📍Zoucheng
Zoucheng is the kind of place that "looks unremarkable but is full of surprises once you step inside." The strange rocks of Yishan Mountain, the quiet courtyards of the Meng Mansion, the cliff carvings in Tieshan Park, and the panoramic views of the city from Hujia Mountain Park.
Day 1
Head to Yishan Mountain early in the morning. The trail is not difficult, and the route is lined with strange rocks—some look like turtles, others like peaches. It feels like solving a riddle as you walk. The view from the top is expansive, and you can see the entire plain. After coming down the mountain, head straight to the Meng Mansion. This is where Mencius once lived; the courtyard is simple and elegant, and the old locust trees are very historic. Take a slow walk around, and you can feel that quiet, scholarly atmosphere. For lunch, find a bowl of Zoucheng spicy noodles near the Meng Mansion—the red chili oil is fragrant and spicy, and the noodles are chewy. In the afternoon, visit Tieshan Park. It is not big, but it is very comfortable, with cliff carvings to see, making it perfect for a post-meal stroll. Stay near Hujia Mountain Park for the night; that area is quite quiet.
Day 2
On the second morning, go to Hujia Mountain Park. The mountain is not high, but the greenery is excellent, and climbing to the top offers a bird's-eye view of the Zoucheng city area. After coming down, you can walk a few more laps on the park trails to get some fresh air. For lunch, have some Zoucheng stir-fried chicken—the meat is tender, the sauce is rich, and it is perfect with rice. Head back in the afternoon, and don't forget to bring some local pancakes (jianbing) with you before you leave; they are crispy and filling.
📍Anqing
Anqing is an old city by the Yangtze River, with pagodas, lakes, mountains, and old streets. Spend one day on history and one day on nature—it is the perfect balance.
Day 1
In the morning, head to the Zhenfeng Pagoda. The pagoda is right by the river, and you can see the spire from far away. Go inside and climb up; you can see the Yangtze River from every level, and the river breeze is very refreshing. After coming down, walk along the river to see the old docks and the passing boats. For lunch, walk to the Daobashi Historical and Cultural Street. The blue stone paths are lined with old shops selling local snacks and handicrafts, creating a very authentic atmosphere. Try some Jiangmao dumplings here—the skin is thin and the filling is fresh—and have a bowl of Shanfen Yuanzi (meatballs with pork), which is soft and flavorful. In the afternoon, go to the Linghu Scenic Area. The lake is huge, and walking around it, you will find pavilions and lotus ponds, perfect for sitting and daydreaming. Stay near Linghu for the night; the reflections of the lights on the lake are beautiful.
Day 2
Dedicate the second day to Jushishan Mountain. Jushishan Mountain is famous for its various large rocks, some of which look like visitors from another world. Climb to the top to see the layers of distant mountains—it is very open. It is windy on the mountain, so bring a jacket. For lunch, have some Anqing stir-fried rice at a farmhouse at the foot of the mountain; it is charred, crispy, and fragrant when soaked in chicken soup. Head back to the city in the afternoon. If you have time, go to the other side of Linghu for a walk and take a few more photos. After two days, the "slow life of an old city" vibe of Anqing will really sink in.
📍Xuancheng
Xuancheng has Jingting Mountain, a museum, lakes, and reservoirs. It is a place where you can calm your mind and explore at a leisurely pace. Li Bai wrote, "We look at each other and never tire, only Jingting Mountain," and the atmosphere here really lives up to that.
Day 1
In the morning, go to Jingting Mountain. The mountain is not high, but the path is shaded by trees, making it very comfortable to walk. There is a pavilion at the top with an expansive view, where you can see the Xuancheng city area. After coming down, visit the Xuancheng Museum. It is not large, but the exhibits are quite interesting, especially the ancient architectural components and ceramics, which help you understand the local history. For lunch, have a bowl of Ningguo Baba (pancake) near the museum—the skin is crispy and the filling is savory—and pair it with a bowl of duck foot soup for extra flavor. In the afternoon, go to Wanling Lake. The lake is calm, and the trail around the lake is well-maintained, perfect for cycling or walking. Watching the sunset turn the lake red in the evening is very healing. Stay near Wanling Lake for the night; it is quiet and good for sleeping.
Day 2
On the second day, go to the Qinglongwan Ecological Tourism Area. Surrounded by green mountains, it looks like a landscape painting. You can walk slowly along the boardwalk by the lake or find a quiet place to sit and watch the water. For lunch, have some Jixi stir-fried vermicelli nearby—it is smooth, refreshing, and even better with a little chili. Head back in the afternoon. Xuancheng is a small city that is not noisy, making it perfect for relaxing with family or on your own.
These cities are perfect for a National Day trip. No rushing, just lakes, mountains, ancient cities, and great food. Perfect for anyone looking to relax. Save this list and get ready to go.