Regret not knowing sooner! 6 hidden autumn spots that won't be crowded during Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays.
Traveling during Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day? These 6 Autumn Hidden Gems are Less Crowded and More Beautiful
01 Pingdingshan | Henan
For Yaoshan, I advise against arriving too early.
⏰ Before 10 AM, the mountain gate is basically full of tour groups, and the cable car queue can wind around three bends. If you want peace and quiet, go in around 1 PM, when the sunlight shines obliquely on the ridge, making it easier to take photos without having to fight for a good spot.
📍 The Central Plains Buddha is not far from Yaoshan. You can visit the Buddha first and then Yaoshan, making it a perfect day trip. At the vegetarian restaurant at the foot of the Buddha, a bowl of mushroom noodles costs 15 yuan, which is more affordable than instant noodles on the mountain.
⚠️ Yaoshan has many steps, so if you have knee problems, don't try to climb them. Taking the cable car up and down can save you two hours. During Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, the temperature difference on the mountain is significant; a light down jacket is more effective than a sweatshirt.
🚗 It takes about an hour by taxi from Pingdingshan West Station to Yaoshan. If driving from Zhengzhou, take the Zhengzhou-Yaoshan Expressway. After exiting the expressway, the mountain roads are winding, so those prone to motion sickness should bring medication. There are only a few guesthouses on the mountain; if you want a more comfortable stay, return to the city. In the evening, you can enjoy the night view of the Zhanhe River.
02 Jilin
Songhua Lake or Wusong Island, which to go in September or October? My answer is Songhua Lake first. The rime ice won't be visible until December; going now will only show bare trees—don't be fooled by online pictures.
Take a boat trip on Songhua Lake. ⏰ The 3 PM boat trip is the best value; the sunset paints the water orange, and the wind subsides.
🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Jilin Station; a shared ride costs around 20 RMB per person.
🍜 The iron pot stewed fish and cornbread by the lake is good; one pot is enough for four people, don't add too many side dishes.
⚠️ The last boat trip is at 5 PM. If you miss it, you'll have to hire a car back to the city, which is painfully expensive.
🍂 In late September and early October, the autumn leaves are just starting to turn golden, with an extra layer of gold compared to midsummer. No filters are needed for photos. If you want to stay by the lake, book a guesthouse in Fengman District. Rooms are limited during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, so book two weeks in advance. Those with children can visit Beishan Park along the way; admission is free, and feeding the squirrels will take half a day.
03 Shijiazhuang|Hebei
The Zhaozhou Bridge is worth visiting, but don't just focus on the bridge itself.
📍 In autumn, the river under the bridge has a low water level, exposing a pebble beach. Walking on it and taking photos of the bridge arch reflection is much better than being crowded on the bridge.
The mountain roads around Xibaipo are winding, so be careful if you're driving.
⏰ It's recommended to visit the Zhaozhou Bridge in the morning, have a bowl of he luo noodles in the county town for lunch, and then head towards Xibaipo in the afternoon.
⚠️ Just take a look at the stalls selling "antiques" at the entrance of the Zhaozhou Bridge scenic area. The entrance fee isn't expensive, but the audio guide deposit requires cash, so remember to bring small change.
🚌 There are direct buses from Shijiazhuang city to Zhaozhou Bridge, departing from Nanjiao Bus Station, taking about an hour. Xibaipo is free, but you need to book in advance through their official WeChat account; slots go through quickly during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays. If you want to stay overnight, choose a budget hotel in Pingshan County; it's half the price of hotels around the scenic area, and you can even have a clay oven-baked flatbread with mutton soup in the evening.
04 Quzhou|Zhejiang
I chose to stay overnight in Ershibadu, between Jianglang Mountain and Ershibadu. For Jianglang Mountain, climb the "One Line Sky" (一线天); ⏰ If you enter the mountain at 7 am, you can reach the top before 10 am; otherwise, it's packed with people.
Visit Ershibadu Ancient Town in the afternoon. 📍 Walk along Fengxi Street to the end; there's an old shop making copper gong cakes 🍜 Freshly steamed ones are ten times better than packaged ones.
⚠️ Jianglang Mountain has weekend visitor restrictions; book in advance via their official WeChat account one day prior. Prices at guesthouses in Ershibadu are skyrocketing during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays; book now, don't delay.
🚗 There's a tourist bus from Quzhou Station to Jianglang Mountain, about an hour's journey; a taxi from Jianglang Mountain to Ershibadu takes about 40 minutes, sharing a ride is more economical. The small tofu hotpot restaurant in the ancient town is hidden deep in an alley; only locals can find it. October mornings and evenings are cool, bring a light jacket, and wear flat shoes on the stone paths to avoid foot fatigue.
05 Wanning|Hainan
Shimei Bay and Riyue Bay: surfers go to Riyue Bay, lounging is at Shimei Bay. Riyue Bay has big waves; ⏰ 6 AM is the most comfortable time to swim, after 10 AM you'll get a painful sunburn.
Shimei Bay has fine sand; 📍 the area behind the Le Méridien Hotel is the least crowded; bring a picnic mat and you can sit there for an afternoon.
🍜 A bowl of Qingbuliang (a type of sweet soup) in a nearby village costs 10 yuan, half the price of the tourist area.
⚠️ Hainan still has typhoon tails in October, so check the weather forecast three days before your trip. Don't sign up for surfing lessons at Riyue Bay on-site; booking online in advance can save you 100 yuan.
🏄 If you can't swim, don't try surfing. There are instructors on the shore offering introductory lessons; two hours is enough to get started. If you stay in Riyue Bay, choose a surfing guesthouse; the beach is right outside. If you stay in Shimei Bay, choose a resort hotel with a pool, suitable for families with elderly members and children. Prices double during Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day; booking in September is 30% cheaper than in October.
06 Pingxiang|Jiangxi
Wugong Mountain is crowded during Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day. But the autumn grass turning yellow is truly beautiful.
⏰ It's recommended to go up the mountain at 3 pm, take the first-level cable car to Zhong'an, and then walk for two hours to the Golden Summit to catch the sunset.
📍 Book the tent area at the Golden Summit in advance; renting on-site is expensive and dirty.
🍜 Bring your own self-heating pot. Instant noodles cost 15 yuan a pack on the mountain, and there's a queue for hot water.
⚠️ Take the Diaomazhuang route downhill; the steps are steep, so hiking poles are essential. Wearing sneakers will damage your toes.
🚄 There are direct buses from Pingxiang North Station to Wugong Mountain, taking about an hour to the foot of the mountain. In October, the meadows turn from green to gold, and the chance of a sea of clouds at sunrise is higher than in summer. If you're not in great shape, take the two-level cable car before climbing to save half the effort. Signal on the mountain is intermittent, so download an offline map beforehand; don't rely on on-site navigation.
07 Longyan|Fujian
I recommend splitting the Yongding Tulou and Changting Ancient City into two days. See the Tulou in the morning; ⏰ Arrive at Chengqi Tower before 8 am, when the sunlight shines in from the east, making the round building look like it's plated with gold.
Strolling through Changting Ancient Town at night, 📍 at the end of Dian Tou Street, there's a small shop selling boiled beef 🍜 with a delicious broth, perfect with taro dumplings.
⚠️ Don't casually talk to the tea sellers inside the Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings). Samples are fine, but don't buy. Guanzhai Mountain is suitable for hiking enthusiasts; skip it if you're traveling with elderly people.
🚌 There's a direct bus from Longyan Station to Yongding Tulou, about an hour and a half; from Tulou to Changting Ancient Town, it's a two-hour drive, taking the highway is smoother. Staying in a guesthouse inside the Tulou offers night views, but soundproofing is limited; light sleepers should bring earplugs. October in western Fujian has large temperature differences between day and night; wear short sleeves during the day and a light jacket at night, don't just pack summer clothes.
08 Lhasa|Tibet
Namtso Lake and Potala Palace: acclimatize for two days before going to Namtso.
⏰ Enter the Potala Palace at 9 am; the lighting is better and there are fewer people. Visit Jokhang Temple in the afternoon; there are many people circumambulating it, so join them.
📍 A day trip to Namtso Lake is too rushed; I recommend staying overnight.
🍜 Sweet tea on the streets of Lhasa costs 5 yuan a pot and is easier to drink than butter tea.
⚠️ Potala Palace tickets for Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day should be booked seven days in advance, or they'll be sold out. Namtso Lake is at a high altitude; buy oxygen cylinders in Lhasa beforehand, as they are twice as expensive at the scenic area.
🚗 A chartered car from Lhasa to Namtso Lake takes about four hours, passing through the Nagqu La Pass at an altitude of over 5,000 meters; don't linger there. Staying in Damxung County is cheaper and better than staying by the lake. For the first two days after arriving in Lhasa, avoid showering and running around; drink plenty of sweet tea and rest to prevent altitude sickness.
Of these six places, I highly recommend Jilin and Longyan. One has vast waters, and the other has unique architecture. Which one are you planning to go to?
Are you traveling during Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day? Six Hidden Autumn Spots with Fewer Crowds and Beautiful Scenery
01 Pingdingshan | Henan
For Yaoshan, I advise against arriving too early.
⏰ Before 10 AM, the mountain gate is basically packed with tour groups, and the cable car queue can wind around three bends. For a quieter experience, go in around 1 PM; the sunlight will be slanted onto the ridge, making it easier to take photos without having to fight for a good spot.
📍 The Central Plains Buddha is not far from Yaoshan. Visit the Buddha first, then Yaoshan; it's a perfect day trip. At the vegetarian restaurant at the foot of the Buddha, a bowl of mushroom noodles costs 15 yuan—more affordable than instant noodles on the mountain.
⚠️ Yaoshan has many steps; those with knee problems shouldn't attempt the climb. Taking the cable car up and down can save you two hours. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the temperature difference on the mountain is significant; a light down jacket is more effective than a sweatshirt.
🚗 It takes about an hour by taxi from Pingdingshan West Station to Yaoshan. If driving from Zhengzhou, take the Zhengzhou-Yaoshan Expressway. After exiting the expressway, the mountain roads are winding, so those prone to motion sickness should bring medication. There are only a few guesthouses on the mountain; if you want a more comfortable stay, return to the city. In the evening, you can enjoy the night view of the Zhanhe River.
02 Jilin
Songhua Lake or Wusong Island, which to go in September or October? My answer is Songhua Lake first. The rime ice won't be visible until December; going now will only show bare trees—don't be fooled by online pictures.
Take a boat trip on Songhua Lake. ⏰ The 3 PM boat trip is the best value; the sunset paints the water orange, and the wind subsides.
🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Jilin Station; a shared ride costs around 20 RMB per person.
🍜 The iron pot stewed fish and cornbread by the lake is good; one pot is enough for four people, don't add too many side dishes.
⚠️ The last boat trip is at 5 PM. If you miss it, you'll have to hire a car back to the city, which is painfully expensive.
🍂 In late September and early October, the autumn leaves are just starting to turn golden, with an extra layer of gold compared to midsummer. No filters are needed for photos. If you want to stay by the lake, book a guesthouse in Fengman District. Rooms are limited during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, so book two weeks in advance. Those with children can visit Beishan Park along the way; admission is free, and feeding the squirrels will take half a day.
03 Shijiazhuang|Hebei
The Zhaozhou Bridge is worth visiting, but don't just focus on the bridge itself.
📍 In autumn, the river under the bridge has a low water level, exposing a pebble beach. Walking on it and taking photos of the reflection in the bridge arches is much better than being crowded on the bridge.
The mountain roads around Xibaipo are winding, so be careful if you're driving.
⏰ It's recommended to visit the Zhaozhou Bridge in the morning, have a bowl of he luo noodles in the county town for lunch, and then head towards Xibaipo in the afternoon.
⚠️ Just take a look at the stalls selling "antiques" at the entrance of the Zhaozhou Bridge scenic area. The entrance fee isn't expensive, but the audio guide deposit requires cash, so remember to bring small change.
🚌 There are direct buses from Shijiazhuang city to Zhaozhou Bridge, departing from Nanjiao Bus Station, taking about an hour. Xibaipo is free, but you need to book in advance through their official WeChat account; slots go through quickly during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays. If you want to stay overnight, choose a budget hotel in Pingshan County; it's half the price of hotels around the scenic area, and you can even have a clay oven-baked flatbread with mutton soup in the evening.
04 Quzhou|Zhejiang
I chose to stay overnight in Ershibadu, between Jianglang Mountain and Ershibadu. For Jianglang Mountain, climb the "One Line Sky" (一线天); ⏰ If you enter the mountain at 7 am, you can reach the top before 10 am; otherwise, it's packed with people.
Visit Ershibadu Ancient Town in the afternoon. 📍 Walk along Fengxi Street to the end; there's an old shop making copper gong cakes 🍜 Freshly steamed ones are ten times better than packaged ones.
⚠️ Jianglang Mountain has weekend visitor restrictions; book in advance via their official WeChat account one day prior. Prices at guesthouses in Ershibadu are skyrocketing during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays; book now, don't delay.
🚗 There's a tourist bus from Quzhou Station to Jianglang Mountain, about an hour's journey; a taxi from Jianglang Mountain to Ershibadu takes about 40 minutes, sharing a ride is more economical. The small tofu hotpot restaurant in the ancient town is hidden deep in an alley; only locals can find it. October mornings and evenings are cool, bring a light jacket, and wear flat shoes on the stone paths to avoid foot fatigue.
05 Wanning|Hainan
Shimei Bay and Riyue Bay: surfers go to Riyue Bay, lounging is at Shimei Bay. Riyue Bay has big waves; ⏰ 6 AM is the most comfortable time to swim, after 10 AM you'll get a painful sunburn.
Shimei Bay has fine sand; 📍 the area behind the Le Méridien Hotel is the least crowded; bring a picnic mat and you can sit there for an afternoon.
🍜 A bowl of Qingbuliang (a type of sweet soup) in a nearby village costs 10 yuan, half the price of what you'd find at the tourist attractions.
⚠️ Hainan still has lingering typhoon tails in October, so check the weather forecast three days before you go. Don't book surfing lessons at Riyue Bay on-site; booking online in advance can save you 100 yuan.
🏄 If you can't swim, don't try surfing. There are instructors on the shore offering introductory lessons; two hours is enough to get started. If you're staying in Riyue Bay, choose a surfing-themed guesthouse; the beach is right outside. If you're staying in Shimei Bay, choose a resort hotel with a pool, suitable for families with elderly members and children. Prices double during Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day; booking in September is 30% cheaper than in October.
06 Pingxiang|Jiangxi
Wugong Mountain is crowded during Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day. But the autumn grass turning yellow is truly beautiful.
⏰ It's recommended to go up the mountain at 3 pm, take the first-level cable car to Zhong'an, and then walk for two hours to the Golden Summit to catch the sunset.
📍 Book the tent area at the Golden Summit in advance; renting on-site is expensive and dirty.
🍜 Bring your own self-heating pot. Instant noodles cost 15 yuan a pack on the mountain, and there's a queue for hot water.
⚠️ Take the Diaomazhuang route downhill; the steps are steep, so hiking poles are essential. Wearing sneakers will damage your toes.
🚄 There are direct buses from Pingxiang North Station to Wugong Mountain, taking about an hour to the foot of the mountain. In October, the meadows turn from green to gold, and the chance of a sea of clouds at sunrise is higher than in summer. If you're not in great shape, take the two-level cable car before climbing to save half the effort. Signal on the mountain is intermittent, so download an offline map beforehand; don't rely on on-site navigation.
07 Longyan|Fujian
I recommend splitting the Yongding Tulou and Changting Ancient City into two days. See the Tulou in the morning; ⏰ Arrive at Chengqi Tower before 8 am, when the sunlight shines in from the east, making the round building look like it's plated with gold.
Strolling through Changting Ancient Town at night, 📍 at the end of Dian Tou Street, there's a small shop selling boiled beef 🍜 with a delicious broth, perfect with taro dumplings.
⚠️ Don't casually talk to the tea sellers inside the Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings). Samples are fine, but don't buy. Guanzhai Mountain is suitable for hiking enthusiasts; skip it if you're traveling with elderly people.
🚌 There's a direct bus from Longyan Station to Yongding Tulou, about an hour and a half; from Tulou to Changting Ancient Town, it's a two-hour drive, taking the highway is smoother. Staying in a guesthouse inside the Tulou offers night views, but soundproofing is limited; light sleepers should bring earplugs. October in western Fujian has large temperature differences between day and night; wear short sleeves during the day and a light jacket at night, don't just pack summer clothes.
08 Lhasa|Tibet
Namtso Lake and Potala Palace: acclimatize for two days before going to Namtso.
⏰ Enter the Potala Palace at 9 am; the lighting is better and there are fewer people. Visit Jokhang Temple in the afternoon; there are many people circumambulating it, so join them.
📍 A day trip to Namtso Lake is too rushed; I recommend staying overnight.
🍜 Sweet tea on the streets of Lhasa costs 5 yuan a pot and is easier to drink than butter tea.
⚠️ For Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, book Potala Palace tickets seven days in advance; first come, first served. Namtso Lake is at a high altitude, so buy oxygen cylinders in Lhasa beforehand, as they are twice as expensive at the scenic area.
🚗 A chartered car from Lhasa to Namtso Lake takes about four hours, passing through the Nagqu La Pass at an altitude of over 5,000 meters; don't linger. Staying in Damxung County is cheaper and better than staying by the lake. For the first two days after arriving in Lhasa, avoid showering and running around; drink plenty of sweet tea and rest to prevent altitude sickness.
Of these six places, I highly recommend Jilin and Longyan. One has vast waters, and the other has unique architecture. Which one are you planning to visit?