A Collection of Hidden Gems for May Day: 6 Zero-Complaint Destinations You'll Want to Revisit
Hey friends! Don't want to be swept away by the crowds this May Day holiday? Tired of seeing only the backs of people's heads in your travel photos? I've compiled 6 niche and photogenic "zero-complaint hidden gems" covering seaside, ancient towns, mountain cities, grasslands... There's bound to be one that sparks your wanderlust! Save this guide, and let's hit the road! 👇
🌊 First Stop: Pingtan Island, Fujian | Chase the "Blue Tears" and Explore the Coast 💧
When it comes to seaside destinations, don't just focus on Sanya! The "Blue Tears" phenomenon on Pingtan Island is truly spectacular🌌. From April to May, if you're lucky, you might encounter the fluorescent sea. With each wave, the blue light twinkles beneath your feet, as if you're walking on stars! During the day, visit the Changjiang'ao Wind Farm, where white windmills meet the blue sea, creating a Japanese cinematic feel in every photo📸. In the evening, go to Tannan Bay to experience coastal foraging. Bring a small shovel to dig for clams and pick up crabs; it's fun for all ages!
🍽️Must-try: Pingtan Salty Rice Balls (glutinous rice balls filled with seafood), Tianchangdijiu (fried glutinous rice balls with sesame and peanut filling) - something for everyone, sweet or savory!
🌿 Second Stop: Nanxun Ancient Town, Zhejiang | Waterfront Serenity, Zero Commercial Burden 💮
Compared to the bustling Wuzhen, Nanxun is more like a hidden ink painting. Stroll through the "Hundred Houses" in the early morning, where white walls and black tiles are reflected in the river, grandmothers wash clothes by the riverbank, and awning boats glide by slowly. Time seems to slow down⏳. I recommend staying overnight at a riverside guesthouse. Open the window to a view of houses along the water. In the evening, enjoy a local meal by the river. Steamed white water fish (not silverfish! Don't worry) and embroidered brocade vegetables are incredibly fresh.
💡Tips: The ancient town ticket includes small attractions. The Western-style carvings at Zhang Shiming's Former Residence are exquisite and perfect for photos!
🏔️ Third Stop: Fuling, Chongqing | A Mountain City Wilder Than Hongyadong ☕
Tired of the crowded Jiefangbei? Come to Fuling and unlock a new way to experience the "3D mountain city"! Visit the 816 Project site and explore the mysterious caves. The 1:1 replica of the former nuclear factory is full of sci-fi vibes🔦. In the afternoon, enjoy a coffee at the "Yaoli Town" by the Wujiang River. With the green river below and the stilt houses on the cliffs behind, every photo looks like a miniature Chongqing. In the evening, you must try a bowl of Fuling Mixed Sauce Noodles. They're spicy, fragrant, and the noodles are so chewy they could dance!
🚶♀️Getting there: A 30-minute high-speed train ride from Chongqing North Station - a lazy traveler's dream!
🐎 Fourth Stop: Ulan Butong, Inner Mongolia | Lush Green Grasslands, Horseback Riding at Sunset 🐂
Want to escape the city and embrace the wild? Ulan Butong Grassland is just beginning to turn green in May. It's less crowded, scenic, and perfect for horseback riding. During the day, learn to milk cows and feed lambs with the herders, and kids can become "little grassland experts"👧. In the evening, watch the sunset at General Paozi. The golden sunlight spills onto the grassland as herds of cattle and sheep pass by, creating desktop-worthy scenery! Stay in a yurt at night, eat hand-pulled meat (not wild animals!), drink milk tea, and watch the stars around a bonfire - pure romance.
⚠️Note: There's a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket!
🌅 Fifth Stop: Hailing Island, Yangjiang, Guangdong | Your Private Beach and All-You-Can-Eat Seafood 🦐
Want to see the ocean and relax? Agile Golden Coast on Hailing Island is a must! It boasts a 2-kilometer-long private beach with sand so fine you can build castles🏰, and the water is so clear you can see fish swimming. Spend the day playing frisbee and digging in the sand. When you're tired, head to a seaside restaurant for fresh seafood. Mantis shrimp and flower crabs are bursting with roe, and you can eat your fill for around 100+ RMB per person. In the evening, visit the night market in Zhapo Town for grilled squid and soak in the lively atmosphere.
🚗Transportation: A 3-hour drive from Guangzhou, or take the high-speed train to Yangjiang Station and then a taxi - super convenient!
🍃 Sixth Stop: Hongcun Village, Anhui | A Village in an Ink Painting, Avoiding the Crowds 📜
Who says Hongcun is bound to be crowded during May Day? Here's a tip for off-peak travel: Visit South Lake before 7 am, when the white walls and black tiles are clearly reflected in the misty water, like stepping into a living ink painting. In the afternoon, hike in Tachuan, avoiding the main scenic area. Walk along the paths between the fields and see villagers drying bamboo shoots and picking tea, immersing yourself in the idyllic countryside. Stay in a guesthouse near the village entrance in the evening. The owner will take you to see the "Moon Pond Night View," which is even more enchanting than the daytime scene with the lanterns lit.
🍲Food: Stinky Mandarin Fish (fermented, not spoiled!) and Mao Tofu are must-tries for adventurous foodies.
📝 Tips for a Hassle-Free May Day Trip:
1. Book accommodation in advance, especially for niche attractions! Many guesthouse owners can help you plan your itinerary.
2. Bring a portable fan (it's getting warm in the south) and sun protection clothing (strong UV rays on the grasslands) for extra comfort.
3. Respect local customs. For example, offer and receive milk tea with both hands on the grasslands.
✨ The joy of travel isn't found in crowded places, but in those "niche yet amazing" moments.