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

Ulanqab-Xilingol League short holiday treasure route, if you want to avoid crowds and have a sufficient budget! Choose a business car to set off—quiet, comfortable, truly authentic! If you prefer cost-effectiveness, please scroll down~ Capture the volcanic geological wonders with black volcanic rock landscapes, plus a spacesuit experience, and freely explore the Gobi secret spots! Worry-free pick-up and drop-off service, enjoy Zhuozishan smoked chicken, hand-held mutton, red-braised lamb... feast all the way! · - Friends lucky enough to find this don’t miss out, here comes the exciting guide ↓ · - 🚗 Itinerary: Day 1: Ulanhada Volcanic Geological Park 🌋 Volcanic geological wonders, black volcanic rock formations perfect for photography 📸, plus a spacesuit experience that makes you feel like you’re on Mars! Day 2: Dahongshan - Erenhot National Gate Scenic Area - Erenhot Rulai Palm - Erenhot Salt Lake 🌄 From the grandeur of Dahongshan to the solemnity of Erenhot’s national gate, then the mystery of Rulai Palm and the tranquility of the salt lake, experience multiple landscapes in one day and marvel at nature’s craftsmanship! Day 3: Huitengxile Grassland - Laolihai 🌿🌊 Gallop across Huitengxile Grassland, feel the vastness and freedom of the prairie; then relax by Laolihai, and be sure to try Zhuozishan smoked chicken, hand-held mutton, and other local delicacies 🍖—let your taste buds travel too! Return day: With full memories and photos, head home 🛫, ending this dream trip to Ulanqab-Xilingol League! Don’t forget to try red-braised lamb, glass dumplings, and lamb offal to make the culinary journey complete 🍲! · - Must-visit attractions: 🌋 Ulanhada Volcanic Geological Park 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Ulanhada Volcano, west side of Erguang Expressway, Chahar Left Rear Banner, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region ⏰ Opening hours: April 1 - October 31, 08:00-18:30 ⏳ Duration: 1 day 📝 Natural volcanic museum, unique lava landforms, feels like being on an alien planet 🌍! 🛂 Erenhot National Gate Scenic Area 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Youyi Road, Erenhot City, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region ⏰ Opening hours: May 1 - October 7, 08:30-17:30 ⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours 📝 A unique witness to the China-Mongolia border, the majestic national gate stands tall, feel the solemnity of the border line 💪! 🌿 Huitengxile Grassland 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Central-southern part of Chahar Right Middle Banner, Ulanqab City ⏰ Open all day ⏳ Duration: 1 day 📝 Vast and magnificent, lakes like mirrors, a unique prehistoric volcanic site, the grassland scenery is breathtaking 🌄! · - 🌤️ Travel checklist: 👗 Clothing: Big temperature difference day and night in May, bring a light down jacket + windbreaker, quick-dry innerwear, wear durable long pants for horseback riding on the grassland. 👒 Accessories: Wide-brim sun hat + windproof face mask, UV protection sunglasses, high-top sand-proof hiking shoes, bring two pairs of wool socks. 📄 Documents: ID card is a must! Student/senior cards enjoy discounts, self-driving requires driver’s license + vehicle registration, keep electronic copies on your phone to avoid loss. 📷 Electronics: Camera + telephoto lens for grassland animals, power bank with 20,000mAh capacity, mobile Wi-Fi or local SIM card to stay connected. 💊 Medicine: Stomach medicine for beef and mutton diet, motion sickness patches for bumpy grassland rides, moisturizer + lip balm to combat dry and windy weather. · - Don’t hesitate👇! Click the card below now and rush to the mountains and fields, rush to freedom

🌧️ "Grain Rain" is approaching, marking the end of spring and the arrival of summer. The grass on the Xilingol Grassland is gradually sprouting, 🌱 showing fresh green shoots. Major scenic spots in Xilingol League will open one after another to welcome visitors. 👏 Below is the opening schedule from April to July for 2A, 3A, and 4A scenic spots in various banners, counties, and districts of Xilingol League, along with highlights for each spot! Please save it! · 📆 Opened in April ✅ Beizi Temple Scenic Area 4A Address: Baoligen Street, Xilinhot City Highlights: Century-old ancient temple, the largest temple in Xilingol League, Qing Dynasty architecture. ✅ Shoufang·Xilingol Cheese Cultural Industry Park 3A Address: Eastern Xilinhot City Highlights: Tasting and purchasing authentic Xilingol dairy products. ✅ Yuan Shangdu Ruins 4A Address: Wuyi Pasture, Shangdu Town, Zhenglan Banner Highlights: World Cultural Heritage, capital ruins of the Yuan Dynasty, Jinlianchuan grassland scenery. ✅ Taipusi Imperial Horse Garden Tourist Area 4A Address: Gongbolage Sum, Taipusi Banner Highlights: Imperial horse culture, grassland scenery, world-famous horses, leisure riding, photography. ✅ Erlianhaote National Gate Scenic Area 4A Address: Beside National Highway 208, Erlianhaote City Highlights: Northern gate of the motherland, twin boundary monuments, distant view of neighboring city Zamiin-Uud. ✅ Erlianhaote National Geopark 3A Address: 9 km northeast of Erlianhaote City center Highlights: National Geopark, various dinosaur fossil geological relics. ✅ Xianghuang Banner Mongolian Horse Culture Museum 2A Address: Baogedu Road, Xinbaolage Town, Xianghuang Banner Highlights: Horse culture relics, Mongolian horse culture of Xianghuang Banner. ✅ Sunite Museum 2A Address: Mandula Street, Mandula Town, Sunite Left Banner Highlights: Learn about Sunite history, culture, customs, and arts. · 📆 Planned to open in May ✅ Duolun Lake Scenic Area 4A Address: Dagushan Village, Luanyuan Town, Duolun County Highlights: Lake, grassland, sandy land, hills; enjoy full fish feast, fishing, cycling around the lake, self-driving. ✅ Duolun County Baiyin Tribe Scenic Area 3A Address: South of Group 7, Dagushan Village, Luanyuan Town, Duolun County Highlights: Grassland, river, forest, sandy land landscapes; stay in Mongolian yurts, enjoy Mongolian cuisine. ✅ Shangdu Lake Ecotourism Scenic Area, Zhenglan Banner 3A Address: Lakeside of Shangdu Lake, Sanggendalai Town, Zhenglan Banner Highlights: Driving and horseback riding around the lake, camel riding, stargazing, bird watching, bonfire parties. ✅ Xingkong Cultural Tourism Camp, Zhengxiangbai Banner 3A Address: Taolin Baolage Gacha, Baoligen Taohai Sum, Zhengxiangbai Banner Highlights: Astronomy study activities, starry sky tents, camping and stargazing. ✅ Wuliyasitai Tourism Resort 3A Address: 27 km north of Wuliyasitai Town, East Ujimqin Banner Highlights: Grassland, mountain views, strange rock formations, experience herders' life, enjoy folk activities. ✅ Shanxi Guild Hall Scenic Area, Duolun County 2A Address: No.1 Huiguan Road, Duolun County Highlights: Qing Dynasty ancient architecture, over 270 years old. ✅ Uragai Qiyan Tribe Resort 2A Address: 17 km on the Uragai Ring Road Highlights: Stay in Mongolian yurts, eat authentic Mongolian food, watch Mongolian song and dance performances. ✅ Uragai Jiuchuwan Scenic Area 4A Address: Within Haragaitu Farm, Uragai Management Area Highlights: Grassland river sightseeing, experience folk customs. ✅ Uragai Wild Wolf Valley Scenic Area 4A Address: Hesige Wula Pasture, Uragai Management Area Highlights: Filming location of "Wolf Totem," feed wild wolves, eat authentic Mongolian food, stay in Rainbow Homestay. ✅ Uragai Bulin Spring Scenic Area 4A Address: 11 km north of Bayin Husuo Town, Uragai Management Area Highlights: Wolf Totem film shooting base, Bulin Spring, nomadic culture. · 📆 Planned to open in June ✅ Ulan Wutai Tourism Scenic Area 4A Address: Jirengole Town, West Ujimqin Banner Highlights: Great Obo, blessing tower, hundred-tree garden, experience folk customs, participate in study activities. ✅ Mongol Khan City Scenic Area Address: Bayanerihotu Gacha, West Ujimqin Banner Highlights: Over 200 Mongolian yurts, taste Mongolian food, stay in yurts, horseback riding, camel riding, archery, off-road driving. ✅ China Horse Capital Core Cultural Ecotourism Area Address: South of Xilinhot City Highlights: Large indoor panoramic show "Mongolian Horse," horseback riding, horse racing, equestrian performances. ✅ Xilingol Vocational College Study Base Tourism Area 3A Address: No.11 Mingantu Street, Xilinhot City Highlights: Check in at Genghis Khan Literature Museum, Northern Grassland Music and Art Museum, Morin Khuur Music Hall, Xilingol Grassland Resource Specimen Museum, Ethnic Handicraft Culture Exhibition Hall, Equestrian College, Xilingol Mongolian Restaurant Demonstration Store, General Aviation College Flight Training Base, etc. ✅ Habuqigai Scenic Area 3A Address: 8 km east of West Ujimqin Banner seat Highlights: Sandy sparse forest landscape, horseback riding, archery, rafting. ✅ Peony Valley Scenic Area 3A Address: 26 km northeast of Hesige Wula Pasture, Uragai Management Area Highlights: Peonies bloom in May and June, grassland, sea of flowers. ✅ Taipusi Banner Folk Horse Town Resort Tourism Area 3A Address: Within Wuqiao Obo Gacha, Taipusi Banner Highlights: Horse riding, grassland scenery, folk customs, Mongolian food, stay in Mongolian yurts. ✅ Sanheyuan Scenic Area, Duolun County 2A Address: Baichengzi Village, Caimushan Township, Duolun County Highlights: Mountains, rivers, hot springs, orchards, flowers; sightseeing, fishing, hot spring bathing, tasting grassland delicacies. ✅ Xilingol League Xiling River Grassland Tourism Resort Address: 15 km south of Xilinhot City on National Highway G207 Highlights: Xiling River Jiuchuwan, stay in Mongolian yurts, taste Mongolian food, grassland riding. · 📆 Planned to open in July ✅ Xilingol Tourism Nadam Folk Custom Park 3A Address: 15 km south of Xilinhot City on National Highway G207 Highlights: Summer tourism Nadam festival venue, traditional grassland sports events, grassland camping, tasting grassland food, enjoying song and dance performances. · 🌿 After Grain Rain, the weather warms up. When the Xilingol Grassland turns green again, come here for a self-driving tour! Enjoy the vast grassland scenery, experience nomadic culture, and taste authentic Mongolian cuisine! · pic fr Vast Grassland Xilingol Cultural Tourism

Hey friends! This 3-day Xilingol League–Tongliao itinerary lets you explore natural grasslands, savor Inner Mongolian cuisine, and enjoy quality time together~ · ------------------- 🎉Itinerary: Exploring Xilingol League–Tongliao🌾 D1: Khan Mountain – Ulagai Wild Wolf Valley Our journey begins with a visit to the mystical Khan Mountain, where we'll delve into history. Afterward, we'll head to the Ulagai Wild Wolf Valley for a close encounter with wolves and experience the wild beauty of the grasslands. D2: Former Site of the 51st Regiment, 6th Division of the Inner Mongolia Production and Construction Corps – Ulagai Lake – Beside the Water – Ulagai Grassland Nine-Bend River On the second day, we'll first visit the Former Site of the 51st Regiment, 6th Division of the Inner Mongolia Production and Construction Corps to trace its history. Next, we'll arrive at the picturesque Ulagai Lake to enjoy the stunning scenery. In the afternoon, we'll visit Beside the Water to experience the beauty of the water and sky merging seamlessly. Finally, we'll reach the Ulagai Grassland Nine-Bend River to admire the meandering waterways. D3: Bulin Spring On the last day, we'll visit Bulin Spring, where crystal-clear spring water blends harmoniously with the surrounding natural scenery, bringing our journey to a perfect end.🌱 Return: After a delightful Xilingol League–Tongliao trip, we'll begin our journey home, looking forward to our next adventure!🛫 · ------------------- Must-Visit Attractions: 🌟 Ulagai Grassland Nine-Bend River 🌟🌟 · Recommended Index: ⭐⭐⭐ · Address: East Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region · Opening Hours: All day · Visit Duration: 1–3 hrs · The wetlands and rivers of Nine-Bend River complement each other beautifully, with breathtaking fields of tamarisk flowers. You can also enjoy Mongolian songs, dances, and cuisine. 🌟 Ulagai Wild Wolf Valley 🌟🌟 · Recommended Index: ⭐⭐⭐ · Address: Hesigewula Ranch, Ulagai Management Area, East Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League · Opening Hours: 07:30–18:00 · Visit Duration: 2–3 hrs · Explore Wild Wolf Valley, observe grassland wolves, and delve into the fusion of wolf culture and Mongolian Yuan culture. 🌟 Bulin Spring 🌟🌟 · Recommended Index: ⭐⭐⭐ · Address: North of Bayanhushuo Town, East Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region · Opening Hours: 08:00–18:00 · Visit Duration: 1–3 hrs · Experience the grassland charm of this 4A-level scenic spot, feel the allure of wolf totem culture, and appreciate the essence of nomadic culture. 🌟 Khan Mountain 🌟🌟 · Recommended Index: ⭐⭐⭐ · Address: Canglang Road, Holingol City, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region · Opening Hours: All day · Visit Duration: 4 hrs · Admire giant statues and warrior sculptures, and experience the magnificent blend of nature and history. 🌟 Ulagai Lake 🌟🌟 · Recommended Index: ⭐⭐ · Address: East of Bayintaohai, Halagetu Farm, Xilingol League · Opening Hours: All day · Visit Duration: 3–4 hrs · Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Ulagai Lake and witness the harmonious coexistence of geese, swans, and the lake. · ------------------- Tips: · Souvenir Prices🏷: Xilingol's mutton specialties are fantastic, but remember to compare prices before buying to avoid overpaying. · Photo Spots📸: Daqinggou and Xiaozhuang Garden in Tongliao are beautiful photo spots; don't miss them! Impress your friends with stunning pictures. · Local Customs🎉: Experience the Mongolian Nadaam Fair and feel the passion and vitality of the grassland people. It's definitely worth a try! · Clothing Suggestions👗: The grassland climate is unpredictable, so bring warm clothes and sunscreen to stay comfortable and stylish. · Transportation🚗: Self-driving is a good option, but pay attention to road conditions and traffic rules. Safety always comes first! · ------------------- Leave your footprints and unforgettable memories on your Xilingol League–Tongliao trip!👣✨

August Reverse Travel: Budget Travel with a Luxurious Touch 01 Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture | Xinjiang In August, the grasslands of Ili are a vibrant green, yet prices are significantly lower than in July. ✈️ Direct flights to Yining: the airport bus to the city center costs only 20 yuan, saving you the cost of a meal of pilaf compared to a taxi. 📍 In the mornings of the Ili River Valley, the air is filled with the smells of grass and cow dung, but you won't find it unpleasant. Walking along the riverbank, you'll see locals jogging and walking their dogs, with few tourists. I remember the entrance fee and shuttle bus to Kalajun cost over 100 yuan, but if you're willing to hike in from the Bulake entrance station, the money saved can be enough for two large skewers of mutton. 🍜 Don't settle for lunch at the scenic area; head back to Tekes County for Naren at "Ma Bai Kai Lai"—the noodles are incredibly thin, and the mutton broth is rich and flavorful. In the evening, stay in a youth hostel for 60 yuan a bed; the owner will tell you which grasslands you can enter for free. ⚠️ Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley doesn't have apricot blossoms in August, but the curves of the grassy slopes are more Swiss than Switzerland itself, and it's free. At dusk on the Gongnaisi Grassland, the light is so slanted that it stretches your shadow all the way to the foot of the mountain; no filters are needed for photos. 02 Qingdao City | Shandong August is peak season in Qingdao, but the "reverse" approach is to avoid the main beer festival venue and go to the old town and the back of Laoshan Mountain. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Qingdao Station. Don't take a taxi; take Metro Line 3 directly to Zhanqiao Pier for two yuan. ⏰ At 6:00 AM on Zhanqiao Pier, there are more seagulls than people. Buy a bag of fried dough stick crumbs for five yuan, and they'll circle around you. After enjoying the sea view, walk along Zhongshan Road to "Chunhelou." It opens at 10:30 AM; catch the first batch of crispy chicken—the skin is so crispy you can hear it crackling. Laoshan Mountain entrance fee is 120 yuan, but if you enter from the Yangkou entrance and take the route through Mitian Cave, there will be half the crowds, and the coolness of walking through the cracks in the rocks is more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. In the afternoon, go down the mountain and buy large steamed buns at Wanggezhuang for 5 yuan each—bigger than your face, with a delicious wheat flavor. ⚠️ The Olympic Sailing Center's light show at night is beautiful, but don't eat at the seafood stalls nearby; the prices are double. Go further afield to Tuandao Farmers Market, where you can choose your own clams and scallops. The small shops next door charge 10 yuan for processing, so a seafood meal will cost less than 50 yuan per person. 03 Xuancheng City | Anhui Xuancheng is the kind of place you want to keep to yourself, especially in August. Chaji Ancient Village entrance fee is 70 yuan, but if you enter after 5 pm, the ticket collectors have gone home, so it's free. 📍 At the village entrance, the stream's sound is louder than the cicadas' chirping in the evening. Children are catching small fish under the bridge; you can sit on the stone steps and watch for half an hour without moving. 🍜 In the morning, I had a bowl of bamboo shoot and shredded pork noodles at "Hongjia Noodle Shop" in Chaji for ten yuan. The broth was so delicious I wanted to lick the bowl clean. Then I went to Longchuan in Jixi. The entrance fee was seventy-five yuan, but the free parts of the ancient village alone were enough to keep you entertained for two hours. ⚠️ Don't buy the "Huizhou Specialty" tea sold at the entrance of the scenic area; it's expensive and mediocre. Walk to the small shop opposite "Yizheng Hall" in the village; the owner roasts his own wild tea for fifty yuan per 50 grams, and it has a fragrant orchid aroma when brewed. The essence of Xuancheng is at dusk. As darkness falls, the lanterns in front of the ancestral halls light up, warming the bluestone paths. You suddenly understand what "the most unforgettable place in a lifetime" means. 04 Xilin Gol League | Inner Mongolia August is the best time to visit the grasslands, but the Ulagai Grassland is half the price of Hulunbuir. 🚄 Take the train to Holingol, then share a ride to Ulagai for fifty yuan per person. The driver is a local herdsman who will point out wild gazelles along the way. ⏰ The sunrise on the grasslands is at 4:50 AM, so don't stay in bed. Wrap yourself in your coat and stand on high ground to watch the sun slowly rise above the horizon, turning the dewdrops on the grass into a shimmering gold. ⚠️ Don't ride those enclosed horse stables at the scenic area entrance; it's only 80 yuan for a ride and not worth it. Negotiate privately with a herdsman; 100 yuan for an hour's ride will take you over a hill to a secluded sea of ​​flowers—rapeseed flowers in July, wild chrysanthemums in August. Staying overnight in a yurt costs 150 yuan per person, including breakfast and dinner, with unlimited hand-pulled mutton. ⭐ Don't go to bed early at night; the Milky Way stretches overhead, so clear it looks like it was painted on with a brush. 05 Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture|Qinghai In August, the rapeseed flowers in the Qilian Mountains have just faded, and the barley is turning golden. Fewer tourists mean more vibrant scenery. 📍 Take a bus from Xining to Qilian County; it takes four hours and costs 60 yuan. 🏔️ The Heihe Grand Canyon is free. Walk along the river; the mountain walls on both sides look like they've been cleaved by a knife, and the water roars. At the third bend, there's a flat grassy area where you can sit for an entire afternoon undisturbed. ⏰ In the afternoon, go to Ami Dongsuo. On a clear day, the snow on the summit of that sacred mountain turns a pale pink. The Lenglongling pass is windy, so remember to bring a windproof jacket. It's at an altitude of 3800 meters, so walk slowly. 🍜 In the evening, return to the county town and have a bowl of yak meat soup with two steamed buns—20 yuan is enough to fill you up. ⚠️ Don't buy the so-called "Cordyceps sinensis" at the scenic area entrance; the real thing isn't displayed there. 06 Nanping City | Fujian Wuyishan is hot during the day in August, but the "reverse" approach is to enjoy the night and morning views. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Wuyishan East Station, then take bus K1 directly to the scenic area for 4 yuan. 🌅 At 5:30 AM, entering from the Wuyi Palace entrance, Tianyou Peak was still relatively deserted. Climbing the 800+ steps slowly, you'll reach the top just in time for sunrise, with the Nine-Bend Stream winding like a silver thread below. As the morning mist dissipates, the Great King Peak and Jade Maiden Peak appear to emerge from the water. 🍜 After descending the mountain, head to "Langu Po Xi" for a bowl of smoked goose noodles—spicy enough to make you sweat, but also incredibly satisfying. In the afternoon, avoid the queues at Yixiantian (One Line Sky); instead, visit the Dahongpao Scenic Area. The streamside path is shaded and cool, offering views of ancient tea trees clinging to the cliffs. ⚠️ Bamboo rafting requires advance booking; tickets are sold out on-site during peak season. Choose the 4 PM raft trip; the sun is setting, casting golden shimmer on the water. 07 Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Hubei August in Enshi is a summer paradise, but don't just focus on the Grand Canyon. 📍 The Shennong Stream Boatmen Culture Area costs over 100 yuan for admission, but if you only take the free ferry at the entrance and walk along the stream, you can still see statues of boatmen pulling boats and the ancient plank road on the cliff. ⏰ Enshi Grand Canyon is best visited early in the morning, entering as soon as it opens at 7:30 am. The plank road at Yunlong Ground Fissure is less crowded then, and the waterfall mist will cool you down. The entrance fee plus cable car is over 200 yuan, but if you're physically fit, you can walk down the mountain to save on the cable car fare. 🍜 Have lunch outside the scenic area at "Tujia Cured Pork Ribs" (around 40 yuan per person). The cured meat is very flavorful, and you can easily eat two bowls with potato rice. In the afternoon, visit Enshi Tusi City (50 yuan entrance fee). The wood carvings in the nine-courtyard complex are worth taking your time to appreciate, but avoid buying anything from the "silver jewelry shops" inside. ⚠️ The Qingjiang River cruise depends on the weather. After a heavy rain, the water is murky, and you can't see anything, making it a waste of money. Buses from Enshi city center to the scenic area run every half hour, much cheaper than hiring a car. 08 Wuzhong City | Ningxia Wuzhong is an underrated culinary city in Ningxia, and the Yellow River Grand Canyon in Qingtongxia is a hidden gem. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Yinchuan to Wuzhong, a 20-minute ride costing just over ten yuan. ⏰ Visit the Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon at 4 PM. The sunlight shines obliquely on the water, gilding the outline of the "First Dam of the Yellow River." The entrance fee plus boat ticket is a little over 100 yuan, but it's free if you only walk around the dam area and don't take a boat. 📍 After leaving the dam, walk along the riverside avenue. You'll see vast fields of goji berries, ripe and red in August. Locals sell freshly picked goji berries by the roadside for ten yuan a small basket—incredibly sweet. 🍜 The main attraction is in Wuzhong city. "Guoqiang Hand-Pulled Lamb" costs 60 yuan per jin (500g), with a perfect balance of lean and fat. Dipped in vinegar and garlic, it's incredibly tender. ⚠️ Don't order too much; half a jin is enough. Save room for Eight Treasure Tea, which costs 5 yuan a bowl and is so generously filled that you can refill it three times. At the Wuzhong Night Market in the evening, roasted lamb trotters are 10 yuan each. Paired with ice-cold beer, this is life! August travel: avoid the crowds. These places aren't popular, but the scenery and food are top-notch. You can have a great time on a budget. Do you have any hidden travel destinations? Share them in the comments! August Reverse Travel: Budget Travel Can Be High-End 01 Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture | Xinjiang In August, the grasslands of Ili are a vibrant green, but prices are significantly lower than in July. ✈️ Fly directly to Yining; the airport bus to the city center costs only 20 yuan, saving you the cost of a pilaf compared to taking a taxi. 📍 In the mornings of the Ili River Valley, the air is filled with the smells of grass and cow dung, but you won't find it unpleasant. Walking along the riverbank, you'll see locals jogging and walking their dogs, with only a few tourists. I remember the entrance fee and shuttle bus to Kalajun cost over 100 yuan, but if you're willing to hike in from the Bulak ticket station, the money you save can be enough for two large skewers of mutton. 🍜 Don't settle for lunch in the scenic area; go back to Tekes County and eat at "Ma Bai Kai Lai" Naren. The noodles are incredibly thin, and the mutton broth is so rich it lingers on your lips. Stay at a youth hostel for 60 yuan a night; the owner will tell you which grasslands you can enter for free. ⚠️ There are no apricot blossoms in Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley in August, but the curves of the grassy slopes are more Swiss than Switzerland itself, and it's free. At dusk on the Gongnaisi Grassland, the light is so slanted that it stretches your shadow all the way to the foot of the mountain; you don't need a filter for photos. 02 Qingdao City | Shandong Province August is peak season in Qingdao, but the "reverse" approach involves avoiding the main beer festival venue and instead visiting the old town and the back of Laoshan Mountain. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Qingdao Station. Don't take a taxi; take Metro Line 3 directly to Zhanqiao Pier for two yuan. ⏰ At 6:00 AM, there are more seagulls than people at Zhanqiao Pier. Buy a bag of fried dough stick crumbs for five yuan, and they'll swarm around you. After enjoying the sea view, walk along Zhongshan Road to "Chunhelou." It opens at 10:30 AM, so catch the first batch of crispy chicken—the skin is so crispy you can hear it crackling. Laoshan Mountain entrance fee is 120 yuan, but if you enter from the Yangkou entrance and take the route through Mitian Cave, there are half the crowds. The coolness of walking through the cracks in the rocks is more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. In the afternoon, go down the mountain and buy large steamed buns at Wanggezhuang for five yuan each—bigger than your face, with a wheaty aroma. ⚠️ The Olympic Sailing Center's light show is beautiful at night, but avoid the seafood stalls nearby; prices are double. Walk a bit further to Tuandao Farmers Market, where you can pick your own clams and scallops. A small shop next door charges 10 yuan for processing, and a seafood meal costs less than 50 yuan per person. 03 Xuancheng City | Anhui Xuancheng is the kind of place you want to keep to yourself, especially in August. The entrance fee to Chaji Ancient Village is 70 yuan, but if you enter after 5 pm, the ticket collectors have gone home, so it's free. 📍 At the village entrance, the stream's sound is louder than cicadas in the evening. Children catch small fish under the bridge; you can sit on the stone steps and watch for half an hour without moving. 🍜 In the morning, have a bowl of bamboo shoot and shredded pork noodles at "Hongjia Noodle Shop" in Chaji for 10 yuan; the broth is so delicious you'll want to lick the bowl clean. Then go to Longchuan in Jixi; the entrance fee is 75 yuan, but the free parts of the ancient village are enough to keep you entertained for two hours. ⚠️ Don't buy the "Huizhou Specialty" tea sold at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive and mediocre. Instead, head to the small shop opposite the "Yizheng Hall" in the village. The owner roasts his own wild tea; it's 50 yuan per 50 grams, and when brewed, it has a fragrant orchid aroma. The essence of Xuancheng lies in the evening. As darkness falls, the lanterns in front of the ancestral halls light up, warming the bluestone paths. You suddenly understand what "a place of lifelong fascination" truly means. 04 Xilin Gol League | Inner Mongolia August is the best time to visit the grasslands, and the Ulagai Grassland is half the price of Hulunbuir. 🚄 Take the train to Holingol, then share a ride to Ulagai. It costs 50 yuan per person. The driver is a local herdsman who will point out wild gazelles along the way. ⏰ The sunrise on the grasslands is at 4:50 AM. Don't stay in bed. Wrap yourself in your coat and stand on high ground, watching the sun slowly rise from the horizon, turning the dew on the grass into a shimmering gold. ⚠️ Don't ride those enclosed horse rides at the scenic area entrance; it's only 80 yuan for a loop and not worth it. Negotiate privately with a herdsman; 100 yuan for an hour's ride will take you over a hill to a secluded sea of ​​flowers—rapeseed flowers in July, wild chrysanthemums in August. Staying overnight in a yurt costs 150 yuan per person, including breakfast and dinner, with unlimited hand-pulled mutton. ⭐ Don't go to bed early at night; the Milky Way stretches overhead, so clear it looks like it was painted on with a brush. 05 Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture|Qinghai In August, the rapeseed flowers in the Qilian Mountains have just faded, and the barley is turning golden. Fewer tourists make the scenery even more vibrant. 📍 Take a bus from Xining to Qilian County; it takes four hours and costs 60 yuan. 🏔️ The Heihe Grand Canyon doesn't require an entrance fee. Walking along the river, the mountain walls on both sides look as if they've been cleaved by a knife, and the sound of the water is deafening. At the third bend, there's a flat grassy area where you can sit for an entire afternoon undisturbed. ⏰ In the afternoon, go to Ami Dongsuo. On a clear day, the snow on the summit of that sacred mountain turns a pale pink. The Lenglongling pass is windy, so remember to bring a windproof jacket. It's at an altitude of 3800 meters, so walk slowly. 🍜 In the evening, return to the county town and have a bowl of yak meat soup with two steamed buns—20 yuan is enough to fill you up. ⚠️ Don't buy the so-called "Cordyceps sinensis" at the scenic area entrance; the real thing isn't displayed there. 06 Nanping City | Fujian Wuyishan is hot during the day in August, but the "reverse" approach is to enjoy the night tours and morning activities. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Wuyishan East Station, then take bus K1 directly to the scenic area for 4 yuan. 🌅 At 5:30 am, enter from the Wuyi Palace entrance; Tianyou Peak is still relatively deserted. Climb over 800 steps slowly, and you'll reach the top just in time for sunrise, with the Nine-Bend Stream winding like a silver thread below. As the morning mist dissipates, the Great King Peak and Jade Maiden Peak seem to emerge from the water. 🍜 After descending the mountain, head to "Langu Po Xi" for a bowl of smoked goose noodles—it'll make you sweat, but it'll be incredibly satisfying. In the afternoon, avoid the queues at Yixiantian (One Line Sky); instead, go to the Dahongpao Scenic Area. The streamside path is shaded by dense trees, offering shade and views of ancient tea trees clinging to the cliffs. ⚠️ Bamboo rafting requires advance booking; tickets are sold out on-site during peak season. Choose the 4 PM raft trip; the sun is setting, and the water is shimmering with golden light. 07 Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Hubei August in Enshi is a summer paradise, but don't just focus on the Grand Canyon. 📍 The Shennong Stream Boatmen Culture Area costs over 100 yuan for admission, but if you only take the free ferry at the entrance and walk along the stream, you can still see statues of boatmen pulling boats and the ancient plank road on the cliff. ⏰ Enshi Grand Canyon is best visited early in the morning, entering as soon as it opens at 7:30 am. The plank road at Yunlong Ground Fissure is less crowded then, and the waterfall mist will cool you down. The entrance fee plus cable car is over 200 yuan, but if you're physically fit, you can walk down the mountain to save on the cable car fare. 🍜 Have lunch outside the scenic area at "Tujia Cured Pork Ribs" (around 40 yuan per person). The cured meat is very flavorful, and you can easily eat two bowls with potato rice. In the afternoon, visit Enshi Tusi City (50 yuan entrance fee). The wood carvings in the nine-courtyard complex are worth taking your time to appreciate, but avoid buying anything from the "silver jewelry shops" inside. ⚠️ The Qingjiang River cruise depends on the weather. After a heavy rain, the water is murky, and you can't see anything, making it a waste of money. Buses from Enshi city center to the scenic area run every half hour, much cheaper than hiring a car. 08 Wuzhong City | Ningxia Wuzhong is an underrated culinary city in Ningxia, and the Yellow River Grand Canyon in Qingtongxia is a hidden gem. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Yinchuan to Wuzhong, a 20-minute ride costing just over ten yuan. ⏰ Visit the Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon at 4 PM. The sunlight shines obliquely on the water, gilding the outline of the "First Dam of the Yellow River." The entrance fee plus boat ticket is a little over 100 yuan, but it's free if you only walk around the dam area and don't take a boat. 📍 After leaving the dam, walk along the riverside avenue. You'll see vast fields of goji berries, ripe and red in August. Locals sell freshly picked goji berries by the roadside for ten yuan a small basket—incredibly sweet. 🍜 The main attraction is in Wuzhong city. "Guoqiang Hand-Pulled Lamb" is 60 yuan per jin (500g), with a perfect balance of lean and fat. Dipped in vinegar and garlic, it's incredibly tender. ⚠️ Don't order too much; half a jin is enough. Save room for Eight Treasure Tea, which costs 5 yuan a bowl and is so generously filled that you can refill it three times. At the Wuzhong Night Market in the evening, roasted lamb trotters are 10 yuan each. Paired with ice-cold beer, this is life! When traveling in August, avoid the crowds. These places aren't popular, but the scenery and food are top-notch, costing less and offering a great experience. Do you have any hidden gems for reverse travel? Share them in the comments!

On the Inner Mongolia prairie there is a breathtaking grassland, known as the pearl of the Xilin Gol region: the beautiful Ujumqin grassland. Ujumqin grassland has a well-preserved landscape and is the only area that brings together the nine major types of grassland in Inner Mongolia. It is the most splendid and majestic section of China’s northern grasslands, often called the heaven grassland. Attractions include Mongol Haote, which combines Mongolian clothing, food, housing, and folk customs; the nomadic tribe area that recreates the ancient grassland nomadic lifestyle; and the forest‑grassland ecological zone that shows the transition from forest steppe to meadow steppe. [TeaDrinker] West Ujumqin banner is located in the eastern part of Xilin Gol League, bordering Chifeng to the south and Xilinhot to the west. Ujumqin grassland is the closest grassland destination to Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, and other cities. From those cities, you can reach here by plane or train in about a day, letting you experience the unique charm of the northern grassland where ancient and modern atmospheres blend. [Cute] Must-visit attractions 1. Grassland Highway No. 99 This scenic road, hailed as China’s most beautiful grassland road, begins 25 km west of Balagaar Gaole town in West Ujumqin banner. Its starting point is designed in a romantic heart shape, making it a perfect photo spot. It also features one of the country’s rare music roads—when vehicles drive at 35–60 km/h, the pavement plays classic songs such as "Ujumqin hometown." 2. Ulan Wutai scenic area A national 4A attraction, 110 km from Xilinhot, covering 5,000 mu. The park has the world’s largest ovoo, the five‑livestock prosperity prayer tower, and other sights, and offers thrilling grass sledding. Every year on the 13th day of the 5th lunar month, a grand ovoo worship ceremony is held here with traditional performances such as wrestling and horse racing. 3. Mongol Khan city This is an excellent place to experience Mongolian traditional culture: try horseback riding, archery, hand-milking cows, and watch vibrant song and dance shows. At night, dance around the bonfire, lie on a lele cart to gaze at the starry sky, and experience authentic nomadic life. 4. Habuqigai scenic area Ideal for family outings, the park offers fishing, rafting, a water park, and grassland ATVs—enjoy water fun and the rush of grassland speed and excitement. 5. Nomadic tribe scenic area Located 50 km southeast of Balagaar Gaole town, this area is surrounded by mountains, with lush grass and herds of cattle and sheep. Riding a lele cart at sunset is the most pleasant experience and lets you fully immerse in the relaxed grassland atmosphere. 6. Peony valley and birch forest Every June the peony valley is carpeted with blooming peonies, a breathtaking sight. The birch forest in Diyan temple forest farm is the densest in the Xilin Gol area, perfect for forest-style photo shoots; the forest has comfortable humidity and easy trails. 🐎 Featured activities Horseback riding across the grassland: ride at local herder stables; even beginners can handle it. Star camping: in July the Milky Way is clearly visible, and the lack of light pollution makes stargazing especially spectacular. Folk culture experiences: learn to hand-milk cows, brew milk tea, and make dairy skin rolls fried with rice to taste nomadic daily life. Music road driving: experience the wonder of the pavement playing music on the No. 99 Highway’s special section. Grass sledding: try grass surfing in the Ulan Wutai scenic area and feel the thrill of the wind. 😋 Food recommendations Shouba rou: fresh lamb boiled in its own juices. Whole roasted lamb: crisp outside, tender inside, presented with a ceremonial ritual, ideal for sharing. Mongolian milk tea: prepared from compressed tea and milk, richly fragrant and a daily beverage on the grassland. Dairy products: items such as dairy skin and milk tofu have a rich flavor; locally produced ones make great souvenirs. Sainfoin scallion buns: buns made with the grassland specialty wild scallion, a perfect match with shouba rou. 🚗

Hey everyone! This 4-day Chifeng-Xilingol League itinerary is amazing! It includes off-road prairie driving, is worry-free and budget-friendly with all-inclusive pricing, and features solid accommodation and dining. Save this now! · ------- Still looking for a travel guide? Check out these tips below↓ · ------- 🏕️ Itinerary: DAY1: Depart from Zhengzhou and arrive in Zhangbei, check in, and rest DAY2: Ulan Butong Night -> Ulan Butong Tourist Scenic Area - Tomb of General Tong Guogang of Anbei, visit historical prairie sites DAY3: Gandan Camel City Nomadic Culture Scenic Area -> Duolun Prairie, discover nomadic culture and prairie scenery DAY4: Return from Zhangbei, end of the healing prairie trip · ------- ✨ Travel Prep: 👕 Bring breathable long-sleeve sun shirts and a light jacket. The prairie is cool in the morning and evening in August. Also, pack quick-dry short-sleeve shirts and comfortable hiking shoes. 🎒 Carry a large-capacity thermos, sun hat, and sunglasses. The prairie has strong UV rays, and you can easily get sunburned on sunny days. 📄 Bring your ID card and student ID (for discounts). Save digital copies of your documents in advance in case you lose them. 🌡️ Pack portable sunscreen spray and mosquito repellent. There are many mosquitoes on the prairie. Don't forget lip balm, as there is a large temperature difference between day and night. 🥾 You can bring a foldable cart. It's convenient for carrying items while sightseeing on the prairie and can also hold photo props. 📸 Bring a power bank and camera charger. The prairie is very photogenic, so don't let your devices run out of power. · ------- Want a worry-free, budget-friendly, and fun trip? The all-inclusive itinerary is below. Secure your spot now!

The 6-day Xilingol League winter tour guide is here! The Ulagai Ice and Snow Season from Jan–Apr 2026 is super lively. You can feed wolves, go horseback riding, take photos in Mongolian costumes, and enjoy snowmobiling, ice fishing, and winter fishing. With a private car and guide, you can stop whenever you want. Book now! · - This comprehensive travel guide has it all. Scroll down to unlock more details 👇 · - ✨Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Xilinhot, check in, and enjoy some free time Day 2–3: Xilingol Grassland – Ulagai Grassland – Bulin Spring – Ulagai Wolf Valley Scenic Area – Ulagai Grassland Jiuquwan Scenic Area. Experience feeding wolves, horseback riding, taking photos in Mongolian costumes, archery, and grass sliding Day 4: Nomadic Tribe – Birch Forest Scenic Area – Banla Mountain Scenic Area – Mongolian Khan City Tourist Area. Enjoy an immersive grassland tour with the flexibility to stop whenever you like Day 5: Wulan Wutai – Genghis Khan Lookout Mountain – Beizi Temple. Experience the rich Mongolian cultural heritage Day 6: Travel across the border line in an SUV and ride through the pristine grasslands before heading home Special note: The 3rd Ice and Snow Cultural Tourism Event will be held at Ulagai Jiuquwan from Jan 10–Apr 2026. Experience the extra-long snow slide, snowmobiling, snow car racing, ice fishing, winter fishing, and more! · - Must-visit attractions: Xilingol Grassland ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: East side of Zhagesitai Scenic Area National Nature Reserve, Xilingol Grassland Opening hours: Open all day Duration: 1–2 days Cattle and sheep dot the carpet-like green grassland, and wild chives cover the slopes. Even the lamb here tastes fresh. Just walking around is healing~ Ulagai Grassland ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: East Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Opening hours: Open all day Duration: 1–2 days Known as the "Grassland on the Horizon," you can also see ancient battlefield ruins here. In early summer, flocks of migratory birds rest at Bayin Lake, creating a perfect atmosphere! Ulagai Wolf Valley Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐ Address: Hesige Wula Ranch, Ulagai Management Area, East Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League (at the 20km mark of the He-E Highway) Opening hours: Aug 16–Oct 7, 08:00–17:30 Duration: 3–5 hours A filming location for "Wolf Totem," where you can experience the wild charm of prairie wolves up close. Ulagai Grassland Jiuquwan Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: East Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Opening hours: May 1–Oct 8, 08:00–17:30 Duration: 3–5 hours The winding grassland wetlands are incredibly healing, and there's a stunning sea of red willow flowers. In winter, there are also lively ice and snow cultural tourism activities~ Mongolian Khan City Tourist Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 15km south of Provincial Highway 204, West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League Opening hours: May 25–Sep 1, 07:00–22:00 Duration: 1 day A replica of the Khan City where Genghis Khan's coronation ceremony took place. Stay in a luxury yurt to watch the starry grassland sky, enjoy intangible cultural heritage performances, experience Naadam events, and feast on authentic Mongolian cuisine! · - 👕 Clothing: Bring a light long-sleeved jacket, sun-protective clothing, breathable long pants, and short-sleeved shirts. The grassland is cool in the morning and evening, so bring warm layers 🎒 Accessories: Wear a wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses. Bring a portable water bottle and mosquito repellent. You can also bring a shawl to block the wind 📝 Documents: Bring your ID card and student ID (for discounts). Have screenshots of your health code ready in advance 📱 Travel gear: Bring a power bank and camera. Download offline maps, as signal can be spotty in some parts of the grassland 🧴 Skincare: Bring high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizing cream. The grassland is windy with strong UV rays · - Your trip is planned. Tap the card below to start your exclusive journey~

Budget travelers, assemble! These 8 places in September–October are uncrowded, beautiful, and cheap 1️⃣ Zhengzhou | Henan In September, the heat waves in Zhengzhou have receded, and the breeze starts to carry a chill. I suggest you go straight to Qinwei Water City. The admission ticket isn't expensive, and the evening light spilling onto the water makes the whole water city look like it's coated in honey. Walk along the waterfront, then duck into the nearby alleys to find a bowl of braised noodles—it's much more authentic than those assembly-line snacks in the scenic area. Songshan Shaolin is in another direction. If you aren't set on seeing a martial arts performance, go in the morning when it's less crowded, and you can see the Pagoda Forest in peace. Xiliu Lake is great for an evening stroll; it's where locals hang out, and it's free. Remember to book the museum in advance so you don't waste a trip; it's less crowded after 3:00 PM, making for a better viewing experience. ⚠️ Don't pay attention to those "offering incense" in the Shaolin scenic area; just keep walking 2️⃣ Xilin Gol League | Inner Mongolia In mid-to-late September, the grass on the Ulagai Grassland starts to turn yellow, but it's a gentle yellow, like an old blanket spread out. Standing on high ground looking down, the rivers wind and twist, and the cattle and sheep are scattered like chess pieces. This place is suitable for a road trip or hiring a car, as public transport is basically non-existent. 📍 After navigating to the Ulagai Management Area, follow the country roads deeper inside; the deeper you go, the better it looks. If you want to ride a horse, ask clearly beforehand if it's charged by the hour or by the loop so you don't end up spending money blindly. ⏰ The grassland is quietest in the early morning. The fog hasn't cleared, and the light is low, which looks much better for photos than at noon. It's cold at night, so bring a thick jacket; don't try to tough it out 3️⃣ Wuxi | Jiangsu Autumn in Wuxi is sweet, and the air is filled with the scent of osmanthus. Lingshan Grand Buddha is best visited in the morning. With the sun shining on the Buddha statue, the whole scenic area feels solemn and quiet. There's a queue to "hug the Buddha's feet," so if you want to save time, just look at it from afar. Nianhuawan is better for strolling from afternoon to evening; the Japanese-style streetscape paired with the lights, small bridges, and flowing water is lovely. When you're tired of walking, find a teahouse to sit for a while; you can drink tea for an afternoon for about CNY 40 per person. Huishan Ancient Town is free to enter, and the ancestral hall complex inside has a lot of character, but don't buy clay figurines at the entrance—the further you go inside, the cheaper they get. The CCTV Wuxi Film Base (Three Kingdoms and Water Margin City) can honestly be skipped if you aren't a fan of the TV shows. The admission ticket isn't cheap, and it's mostly imitation ancient architecture; you'll get bored after two hours. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes to take a taxi from Wuxi Station to Nianhuawan, costing about CNY 70 4️⃣ Haikou | Hainan In September–October, rain in Haikou comes and goes quickly, making it cooler than midsummer. You must visit Qilou Old Street in the evening. The sunset outlines the old buildings, and the whole street feels like a Nanyang dream coming to life. Buy a cup of old salt lemonade on the street and sip it while you stroll—it's comfortable. Visit Wugong Temple in the morning when it's uncrowded and quiet. The garden isn't large, but every spot has a story, making it suitable for a slow visit. The Volcano Park is in the suburbs and requires half a day. Climb up to see the panoramic view of Haikou; the wind is strong and will wake you right up. ⚠️ There are few dining options near the Volcano Park, so it's recommended to bring your own snacks. For seafood in Haikou, don't go to those tourist-trap food stalls. Locals prefer to go to the Banqiao Road Market to pick their own; the processing fee isn't expensive, and you can eat your fill for CNY 70–80 per person 5️⃣ Zhanjiang | Guangdong This city, Zhanjiang, has a pace so slow it feels like retirement. Huguangyan is a volcanic lake with water so clear you can see the bottom. A walk around the lake takes about two hours; the air is humid and full of negative ions. ⏰ It's best to arrive after 4:00 PM when the sun hits the water at an angle and the wind isn't harsh. The admission ticket is a little over CNY 50; locals get a discount, so if you're a student, remember to bring your ID. After walking around the lake, go back to the city center for a bowl of pork offal rice noodle soup; the broth is so fresh it'll make your eyebrows fall off. Nightlife in Zhanjiang is simple: food stalls paired with oysters. A dozen grilled oysters cost CNY 20-something, and the garlic is so fragrant that the next table will come over to ask where you ordered them. ⚠️ Don't buy so-called "volcanic mud masks" at the entrance of the scenic area; they are basically cheap goods from Yiwu 6️⃣ Aksu Prefecture | Xinjiang The Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon lives up to its name—it's truly mysterious. The wind howls in the canyon, and sunlight leaks through the cracks, dyeing the rock walls in varying shades of red. September–October is the best season in Southern Xinjiang; the heat waves have receded, and the sky is unbelievably blue. 📍 After entering the canyon, follow the main road. The round trip takes about three hours. Wear good walking shoes, as the ground is full of gravel. There is no signal in the canyon, so tell your family in advance so they don't worry. The admission ticket is CNY 40-something, which is great value. The light is most beautiful in the afternoon, but be aware that it gets dark early. Don't linger; you need to head back before 4:30 PM. ⚠️ Don't bring a drone; the wind in the canyon is strong, and it's very easy to crash 7️⃣ Yueyang | Hunan Yueyang Tower and Dongting Lake must be visited on the same day. Climb the tower to see the lake in the morning, and take a boat to Junshan Island in the afternoon. The admission ticket for Yueyang Tower is CNY 70, which is honestly a bit expensive, but standing on the third floor looking at Dongting Lake, that famous line about "worrying before the world worries" will naturally come to mind. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM when it's less crowded, and you can have the railing to yourself. You need to take a ferry to Junshan Island; it's more cost-effective to buy the boat ticket and admission ticket together. There are tea gardens and bamboo forests on the island, and it's not tiring to walk around, making it suitable for bringing elders. You can try the silver fish omelet on the island, but don't buy the so-called "Junshan Silver Needle" tea. Most of the tea in the scenic area isn't authentic; if you want to buy some, go to a tea shop in the city. 🍜 The barbecue in Yueyang is amazing. At night, just find a roadside stall, order beef skewers with iced beer, and you can eat until you're stuffed for CNY 50 per person 8️⃣ Jinhua | Zhejiang The most wonderful thing about Jinhua is that you can switch between Hengdian World Studios and natural landscapes in one day. In the morning, go to Hengdian and pick either the Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties or the Qin King Palace to visit; don't be greedy. The admission ticket isn't cheap, but the performances inside are worth watching, especially "The Grand Ceremony of the Purple Forbidden City," which is visually stunning. In the afternoon, head to the Shuanglong Scenic Area; you can get there by bus, which is very convenient. You have to lie down to enter the Shuanglong Cave, an experience unique in the country. The temperature in the cave is a constant 15–16 degrees Celsius; it's a summer retreat, but if you go in autumn, remember to bring a light jacket. ⏰ It's recommended to arrive at Shuanglong Cave before 3:00 PM when the light is just right. After coming out of the cave, you can still walk around the mountain. Dining inside Hengdian is expensive and average, so it's recommended to bring your own snacks. 🚄 There is a direct bus from Jinhua Station to Hengdian, and the trip takes a little over an hour; don't take illegal taxis Nine places—not too many, not too few. Zhengzhou and Zhanjiang are for eating, Wuxi and Jinhua are for strolling, Xilin Gol and Aksu are for clearing your mind, Haikou and Yueyang are for zoning out, and Hengdian is for taking photos. Just pick one direction and set off; don't be greedy. Go to one place at a time and leave the rest for next time. Chat in the comments: where do you want to go first?

01 Yueyang | Hunan ⏰ At 7:00 AM, Yueyang Tower has just opened, and the tourists haven't yet flooded in. Don't rush to climb the tower; stand on the stone steps in front of it for a while and watch the mist slowly dissipate from the lake—it's ten times more comfortable than the afternoon crowds. Tickets are 70 yuan, half price for students. Booking a day in advance through the official WeChat account will save you queuing time. After leaving Yueyang Tower, walk south along the Dongting Lake embankment; it's a ten-minute walk to Baling Square. 📍 There's a long-established restaurant called "Master Chen's Fish Restaurant" near the square. A serving of "Huitou Fish Hot Pot" costs 58 yuan, just right for two people. The fish is freshly killed, and the broth is so delicious you'll want to drink three bowls. ⚠️ Don't buy "Dongting Silver Fish Dried Fish" at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive and salty. A bag costs 10 yuan in a supermarket. In the afternoon, go to Junshan Island. A boat trip costs 30 yuan one way and 50 yuan round trip. The most worthwhile sights on the island are the Xiangfei Temple and Liuyi Well; you can skip the other man-made attractions. ⏰ The best lighting for the return boat is after 5 PM, giving the lake a golden sheen, perfect for photos without filters. Grilled fish on the island costs 15 yuan per fish, cheaper than near Yueyang Tower. For the entire Yueyang trip, choose a chain hotel near the train station for 150 yuan per night. Including meals, entrance fees, and boat tickets, the average cost per person is 280 yuan. 02 Xilin Gol League | Inner Mongolia Ulagai Grassland – you might not be familiar with the name, but the movie *Wolf Totem* was filmed here. In August, the grass is knee-deep, and the wind makes it look like green waves. A round trip by chartered car from Xilinhot city costs 400 yuan; four friends shared a car for 100 yuan each. ⚠️ Don't drive deep into the grassland yourself; there's no cell phone signal, and if you get stuck, no one will help you. 📍 The grassland on the north bank of Ulagai Reservoir is the most beautiful, but navigation apps won't find it. Just have the driver take you directly to "North Bank of the Reservoir". ⏰ The softest light is between 3 PM and 6 PM, perfect for backlit portraits where even individual strands of hair appear golden. Horseback riding on the grassland costs 50 yuan per ride; local herders will lead the horses, so even beginners can ride without worry. Avoid the yurts in the scenic area; they're expensive and the food is mediocre. Head to nearby Bayinhushuo Town, where hand-pulled mutton costs 48 yuan per jin (approximately 500 grams), and milk tea is refillable. Stay overnight in a guesthouse in town for 120 yuan per night; it's clean and has hot water. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant; at the end of August, it can drop to only 12 degrees Celsius at night, so bring a windproof jacket. The average cost per person, including car rental, fuel, accommodation, and food, should be under 500 yuan. 03 Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan Meng Huan Grand Golden Pagoda, located in Mangshi City, entrance fee 40 yuan. ⏰ Go around 6:30 PM; the setting sun will bathe the pagoda in a honey-colored glow. Most tourists will have already left, and you can hear the wind chimes tinkling on the eaves. Take off your shoes to enter the pagoda. The ground is slightly warm from the sun; walking barefoot feels like stepping on warm stones. At the square below the pagoda, locals start dancing the Dai ethnic dance at 8 PM. You can join in and sway a couple of times without anyone laughing at you. 📍 One kilometer south of the Golden Pagoda is the Tree-Wrapped Pagoda, where a century-old banyan tree completely envelops the pagoda. No entrance fee is required, but it's even more breathtaking than the Golden Pagoda. In Mangshi, the main flavor is sour and spicy. Dishes like "Sa Pie," "Pao Lu Da," and sour beef rice noodles can be had for around 30 yuan per person, leaving you stuffed. ⚠️ Don't buy "Burmese jade" at the scenic area entrance; nine times out of ten it's glass. For accommodation, choose a hotel near Tuanjie Street; it's 180 yuan per night, and only a 15-minute walk to the Golden Pagoda. Overall, Mangshi is inexpensive; taxi fares start at 6 yuan, and 400 yuan per person should be enough for two days. 04 Chuzhou | Anhui Langya Mountain, the place where Ouyang Xiu wrote "The Pavilion of the Drunken Old Man," costs 80 yuan and includes the pavilion, Nantianmen (South Heaven Gate), and Shenxiu Lake. ⏰ Entering the mountain at 8 am, the air is still cool. The stone path is lined with century-old maple trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves like scattering gold. Climbing to Nantianmen takes about forty minutes; from the summit, you can see the entire city of Chuzhou. Don't backtrack on the way down. Exit through the East Gate to reach Chuzhou's old town. 📍 "Lao Dongguan Wonton" on Zunyang Street costs 6 yuan a bowl. The wonton wrappers are so thin they're translucent, and the broth is made with pork bones—so delicious you'll drink it all. ⚠️ Bottled water on the mountain costs 8 yuan a bottle. Bring two bottles to save 16 yuan. In the afternoon, you can visit Langya Temple, right next to the Drunken Old Man's Pavilion. The incense isn't very strong, but the ancient ginkgo tree is 1300 years old. Sitting in its shade for a while is so cool you won't want to leave. For accommodation, choose a budget hotel near the high-speed rail station; it's 140 yuan per night. A taxi to the scenic area costs 15 yuan. The entire Langya Mountain trip, including entrance fees, meals, and accommodation, should cost a maximum of 300 yuan per person. 05 Zaozhuang | Shandong Taierzhuang Ancient City: Entrance fee 160 yuan. ⚠️ If you enter after 4 PM, you can use the same ticket until noon the next day—it's like buy one get one free. The ancient city is crisscrossed by waterways. A rowboat costs 60 yuan per person; the boatwomen sing local folk songs. Sitting on the bow of the boat in the evening watching the lanterns light up on both banks is much more charming than wandering the streets and alleys during the day. Dinner was at "Huanghua Beef Noodles" near the East Gate of the Ancient City. A bowl cost 15 yuan; the beef was stewed until tender, the broth was rich, and the noodles were handmade and chewy. ⚠️ Don't buy the "handmade ginger candy" or "cinnabar ornaments" in the Ancient City; they're all from Yiwu. The next morning, we went to the Taierzhuang Battle Relics Park outside the Ancient City. It's free, but you need to register with your ID card. ⏰ We finished exploring before 11 am, returned to the Ancient City for lunch, and then checked out. We chose a guesthouse in the Ancient City for 200 yuan a night; it was by the water, with a view of the canal. The entire Taierzhuang trip, including entrance fees, boat tickets, accommodation, and meals, cost about 450 yuan per person. 06 Wanning | Hainan The sea in Wanning is cleaner than in Sanya, half the number of people, and prices are a third cheaper. The sand on Shimei Bay's beach is as fine as flour. It's free and can be reached by walking through the small road from the Le Méridien Hotel. ⏰ Go at 7 AM, and you might be the only person on the entire beach. The waves are loud, and the wind is salty. Riyue Bay is surfer territory. Renting a board costs 80 yuan per hour, and you'll get one-on-one coaching. You can stand on the board in two hours. ⚠️ Don't go into the sea between 2 and 3 PM; the UV rays are strong, and sunburn is common. The waves are gentlest at dusk, perfect for beginners. For seafood, go to the farmers' market in Xinglong Town. Buy your own seafood and have the vendors cook it for you. The cooking fee is 10 yuan per jin (500g). 🦐 Prawns are 25 yuan per jin, and scallops are 2 yuan each. A meal for two shouldn't cost more than 150 yuan. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in Shimei Bay for 180 yuan per night, with a balcony facing the sea. Three days in Wanning will cost 600 yuan per person, more than half the cost of Sanya. 07 Qinhuangdao | Hebei Beidaihe and Shanhaiguan can be visited in a day and a night. First, head to Shanhaiguan. The entrance fee is 40 yuan. Climb the city wall to see the plaque inscribed "The First Pass Under Heaven," and feel the sea breeze carrying the dust of history. ⏰ Arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds and get a clear view of the city wall without any passersby. For lunch, have four steamed buns in the ancient city of Shanhaiguan. They're 12 yuan a steamer, filled with pork and scallions, very juicy, and served with a bowl of millet porridge—perfect! After lunch, take bus 34 directly to Beidaihe. The fare is 2 yuan, saving you 30 yuan compared to a taxi. Beidaihe's beaches are free, but ⚠️ don't rent umbrellas on the beach; they cost 60 yuan each, which is unnecessary. 📍 The beach east of Tiger Stone Park is less crowded; locals swim there. In the evening, walk along the seaside boardwalk to watch the sunset from the direction of Pigeon Nest Park—it's all free. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in Liuzhuang, Beidaihe, for 150 yuan a night. There are seafood stalls downstairs; mantis shrimp is 38 yuan a plate. You can have a very comfortable trip to Qinhuangdao for around 350 yuan per person. 08 Datong | Shanxi Yungang Grottoes: Entrance fee 120 yuan, but worth it. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8:30 am. First, see the open-air Buddha in Cave 20. The sunlight shines perfectly on the Buddha's face, making it look so compassionate it brings tears to your eyes. Photography is prohibited inside the caves; don't take pictures secretly, the staff are very vigilant. For lunch, go to the city center for knife-cut noodles. "Dongfang Knife-Cut Noodles" is a popular spot among locals. A small bowl is 9 yuan, and with a braised egg and dried tofu, it's 13 yuan—you'll be stuffed. In the afternoon, go to the Hanging Temple. Entrance fee 115 yuan. ⚠️ If you're afraid of heights, don't climb it; just look from below. The Hanging Temple is built on a cliff, and the wooden walkway is so narrow that only one person can pass at a time. Looking down into the deep valley, your legs might go weak. Hengshan Mountain is right next to the Hanging Temple. Entrance fee 45 yuan. Those with good stamina can climb it; the round trip takes about three hours. 📍 At the entrance to the mountain gate, "Hunyuan Liangfen" (a type of cold noodle dish) costs 5 yuan a bowl. The chili oil is fragrant but not spicy. After climbing the mountain, a bowl of this will revitalize you. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in Datong Ancient City for 180 yuan a night. You can enjoy the night view from the city wall for free. The cost of visiting Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, and Hengshan Mountain, including entrance fees, accommodation, and meals, is about 500 yuan per person. The August wind should blow towards places with fewer crowds. Of these eight places, I personally prefer Wanning and Datong the most. One will heal you with the sea, and the other will awe you with its stones. Which one do you plan to visit first? Let's discuss in the comments. 01 Yueyang|Hunan ⏰ At 7:00 AM, Yueyang Tower has just opened, and the tourists haven't yet flooded in. Don't rush to climb the tower. Stand on the stone steps in front of the tower for a while and watch the mist slowly dissipate from the lake. It's ten times more comfortable than the afternoon crowds. Entrance fees are 70 yuan, half price for students. Booking a day in advance through the official account will save you queuing time. Leaving Yueyang Tower, walk south along the Dongting Lake embankment for ten minutes to reach Baling Square. 📍 There's a long-established restaurant called "Master Chen's Fish Restaurant" near the square. A serving of "Huitou Fish Hot Pot" costs 58 yuan, just right for two people. The fish is freshly killed, and the broth is so delicious you'll want to drink three bowls. ⚠️ Don't buy "Dongting Silver Fish Dried Fish" at the scenic area entrance; it's expensive and salty. A bag costs 10 yuan in a supermarket. In the afternoon, go to Junshan Island. A boat trip costs 30 yuan one way and 50 yuan round trip. The most worthwhile sights on the island are the Xiangfei Temple and Liuyi Well; you can skip the other man-made attractions. ⏰ The return boat trip is best after 5 pm, when the lake surface is bathed in golden light—no filter needed for photos. Grilled fish stalls on the island charge 15 yuan per fish, cheaper than near Yueyang Tower. For the entire Yueyang trip, choose a chain hotel near the train station for 150 yuan per night. Including meals, entrance fees, and boat tickets, the average cost per person is 280 yuan. 02 Xilin Gol League | Inner Mongolia Ulagai Grassland – you might not be familiar with the name, but the movie *Wolf Totem* was filmed here. In August, the grass is knee-deep, and the wind makes it look like green waves. A round trip by chartered car from Xilinhot city costs 400 yuan; four friends sharing a car would pay 100 yuan each. ⚠️ Don't drive deep into the grassland yourself; there's no cell phone signal, and if you get stuck, no one will help you. 📍 The grassland on the north bank of Ulagai Reservoir is the most beautiful, but navigation apps won't find it. Just ask the driver to take you directly to "North Bank of the Reservoir." ⏰ 3 PM to 6 PM is the time with the softest light; backlighting makes portraits look golden. Horseback riding on the grassland costs 50 yuan per lap; the herdsmen will lead the horses, so even beginners don't need to worry. Avoid the yurts in the scenic area for food; they're expensive and the food is mediocre. Go to nearby Bayinhushuo Town; hand-pulled mutton is 48 yuan per jin (500g), and milk tea is refillable. Staying at a guesthouse in town for 120 yuan a night, clean and with hot water. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is large; at the end of August, it's only 12 degrees Celsius at night, so bring a windproof jacket. The average cost per person, including car rental, fuel, accommodation, and food, should be under 500 yuan. 03 Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan Meng Huan Grand Golden Pagoda, located in Mangshi city, entrance fee 40 yuan. ⏰ Going around 6:30 pm, the setting sun bathed the pagoda in a honey-colored glow. Most of the tourists had already left, and you could hear the wind chimes tinkling on the eaves. Taking off your shoes to enter the pagoda, the ground was slightly warm from the sun; walking barefoot felt like stepping on warm stones. At the square below the pagoda, locals start dancing the Dai ethnic dance at 8 pm. You can join in and sway a bit; no one will laugh. 📍 One kilometer south of the Golden Pagoda is the Tree-Wrapped Pagoda, where a century-old banyan tree completely envelops the pagoda. No entrance fee is required, but it's even more breathtaking than the Golden Pagoda. In Mangshi, the main flavor is sour and spicy. Try the local specialties like "Sa Pie," "Pao Lu Da," and sour beef rice noodles; you can eat your fill for around 30 yuan per person. ⚠️ Don't buy "Burmese jade" at the scenic area entrance; nine times out of ten it's glass. For accommodation, choose a hotel near Tuanjie Street; it's 180 yuan per night, and only a 15-minute walk to the Golden Pagoda. Overall, Mangshi is inexpensive; taxi fares start at 6 yuan, and 400 yuan per person is enough for two days. 04 Chuzhou|Anhui Langya Mountain, the place where Ouyang Xiu wrote "The Drunken Pavilion Record." The entrance fee is 80 yuan, including the Drunken Pavilion, Nantianmen, and Shenxiu Lake. ⏰ Entering the mountain at 8 am, the air is still cool. The stone path is lined with century-old maple trees, and sunlight filters through the leaves, creating shimmering gold. Climbing to Nantianmen takes about forty minutes; from the summit, you can see the entire city of Chuzhou. On the way down, don't backtrack. Exit through the East Gate to reach the old town of Chuzhou. 📍 "Lao Dongguan Wonton" on Zunyang Street costs 6 yuan a bowl. The wonton wrappers are so thin they're translucent, and the broth is made with pork bones—so delicious you'll want to drink it all. ⚠️ Bottled water on the mountain costs 8 yuan a bottle. Bring two bottles to save 16 yuan. In the afternoon, you can visit Langya Temple, right next to Zuiweng Pavilion. The incense isn't very strong, but the ancient ginkgo tree is 1300 years old. Sitting in its shade for a while is so cool you won't want to leave. For accommodation, choose a budget hotel near the high-speed rail station for 140 yuan a night. A taxi to the scenic area costs 15 yuan. The entire Langya Mountain trip, including entrance fees, meals, and accommodation, should cost at least 300 yuan per person. 05 Zaozhuang | Shandong Taierzhuang Ancient City, entrance fee 160 yuan. ⚠️ Entry after 4 PM allows you to use the same ticket again until noon the next day, essentially a buy-one-get-one-free deal. The ancient city is crisscrossed by waterways; rowboats cost 60 yuan per person, and the boatwomen sing local folk songs. Sitting on the bow of the boat in the evening watching the lanterns light up along the banks is much more charming than wandering the streets during the day. Dinner was at "Huanghua Beef Noodles" near the east gate of the ancient city, 15 yuan a bowl. The beef was stewed until tender, the broth was rich, and the noodles were handmade and chewy. ⚠️ Don't buy the "handmade ginger candy" or "cinnabar ornaments" in the ancient city; they are all from Yiwu. The next morning, visit the Taierzhuang Battle Relics Park outside the ancient city. It's free, but you need to register with your ID card. ⏰ Finish exploring before 11 AM, return to the ancient city for lunch, then check out and leave. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in the ancient town; it's 200 yuan per night. Stay by the water, and you'll see the canal right outside your window. The entire Taierzhuang trip, including entrance fees, boat tickets, accommodation, and meals, costs about 450 yuan per person. 06 Wanning | Hainan The sea in Wanning is cleaner than in Sanya, half the number of people, and prices are a third cheaper. The sand on Shimei Bay beach is as fine as flour. 📍 You can reach it for free by walking through the small road from the Le Méridien Hotel. ⏰ Go at 7 am; you might be the only person on the entire beach. The waves are loud, and the wind is salty. Riyue Bay is surfer territory. Rent a board for 80 yuan per hour, with one-on-one instruction. You can stand on the board in two hours. ⚠️ Don't go into the sea between 2 and 3 pm; the UV rays are strong, and sunburn is common. The waves are gentlest at dusk, suitable for beginners. For seafood, go to the farmers' market in Xinglong Town. Buy your seafood and have it cooked at the nearby food stalls; the cooking fee is 10 yuan per jin (500g). 🦐 Prawns are 25 yuan per jin, and scallops are 2 yuan each. A meal for two shouldn't cost more than 150 yuan. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in Shimei Bay for 180 yuan per night; the balcony faces the sea. Three days in Wanning cost 600 yuan per person, more than half the cost of Sanya. 07 Qinhuangdao | Hebei Beidaihe and Shanhaiguan can be visited in a day and a night. Start in the morning at Shanhaiguan (40 yuan entrance fee). Climb the city wall to see the plaque "The First Pass Under Heaven," and feel the sea breeze carrying the dust of history. ⏰ Arrive before 9 am to avoid crowds and get a clear view of the city wall without any passersby. For lunch, eat four steamed buns in the ancient city of Shanhaiguan for 12 yuan a steamer. They're filled with pork and scallions, very juicy, and served with a bowl of millet porridge—comfortable. After eating, take bus 34 directly to Beidaihe. The fare is 2 yuan, saving you 30 yuan compared to taking a taxi. Beidaihe's beaches are free, but ⚠️ don't rent umbrellas on the beach; they cost 60 yuan each and are unnecessary. 📍 The beach east of Tiger Stone Park is less crowded; locals swim there. In the evening, walk along the seaside boardwalk to watch the sunset from the direction of Pigeon Nest Park; the entire walk is free. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in Liuzhuang, Beidaihe; it's 150 yuan per night, and there are seafood stalls downstairs, with mantis shrimp costing 38 yuan a plate. For about 350 yuan per person, you can have a very comfortable time in Qinhuangdao. 08 Datong | Shanxi Yungang Grottoes, entrance fee 120 yuan, but worth it. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8:30 am. First, see the open-air Buddha in Cave 20. The sunlight shines perfectly on the Buddha's face, making it so compassionate it brings tears to your eyes. Photography is prohibited inside the caves; don't take photos secretly, the staff are very vigilant. For lunch, we went to the city center for knife-cut noodles. "Dongfang Knife-Cut Noodles" is a popular local spot; a small bowl costs 9 yuan, and with a braised egg and dried tofu, it's 13 yuan—enough to fill you up! In the afternoon, we went to the Hanging Temple. The entrance fee is 115 yuan. ⚠️ If you're afraid of heights, don't climb it; just look from below. The Hanging Temple is built on a cliff, and the wooden walkway is so narrow that only one person can pass at a time. Looking down into the deep valley can make your legs weak. Hengshan Mountain is right next to the Hanging Temple. The entrance fee is 45 yuan. Those with good stamina can climb it; it takes about three hours round trip. 📍 At the entrance to the mountain gate, "Hunyuan Liangfen" (a type of cold noodle dish) costs 5 yuan a bowl. The chili oil is fragrant but not spicy. A bowl after the climb will revitalize you. For accommodation, we chose a guesthouse in Datong Ancient City for 180 yuan a night. In the evening, you can go to the city wall for the night view—it's free. The total cost for Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, and Hengshan Mountain, including entrance fees, accommodation, and meals, is about 500 yuan per person. The August winds should blow towards places less crowded. Of these eight places, I personally prefer Wanning and Datong the most—one will heal you with the sea, the other will awe you with its stones. Which one do you plan to visit first? Let's discuss in the comments.

Hey everyone! This 3-day itinerary for Xilingol League, Chengde, and Chifeng is super practical. You can visit Seven Star Lake and Moon Lake in Saihanba, enjoy oat noodle feasts and Manchu-Mongolian Eight Bowls, and there are plenty of accommodation options. Save this now! . Must-visit attractions: Saihanba National Forest Park 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Northern Weichang Manchu and Mongol Autonomous County, Chengde City, Hebei Province Opening hours: 08:30 AM–05:30 PM Recommended duration: 1–3 days The scenery beyond the Great Wall, where grasslands and forests intertwine, is stunning. In autumn, the red and yellow foliage looks like a fairytale. With spots like Seven Star Lake and the birch forests, it's perfect for a comfortable road trip. Shenlongtan Scenic Area ⭐⭐ Address: Inside Saihanba National Forest Park, Mulan Paddock, northwestern Weichang Manchu and Mongol Autonomous County, Chengde City, Hebei Province Opening hours: 08:30 AM–05:30 PM Recommended duration: 2–3 hours A hidden gem surrounded by mountains with clear lake water, perfect for a quick stop to relax. Shenxian Valley Colorful Forest 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Datan Town, Fengning County, Chengde City Opening hours: May 1–Oct 8, 08:00 AM–05:30 PM Recommended duration: 3–5 hours A natural summer retreat with 16°C weather. It features animal feeding, traditional Chinese-style performances, and lively bonfire parties—great for families and dates! . 🩳 Clothing: Bring long-sleeved shirts for sun protection, short-sleeved T-shirts, long pants, and a light jacket for the cool mornings and evenings 🎒 Accessories: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses; bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a portable folding umbrella 📝 Documents: Bring your ID card and student ID; download scenic area reservation QR codes and offline maps in advance . Save this guide! Next time you take a group tour to Xilingol, Chengde, and Chifeng, just follow this itinerary🥳

The Yuan Shangdu Ruins, located in Shangdu Town, Zhenglan Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, sits on the Jinlianchuan Grassland along the Shandian River, bordered by the Shangdu River to the south and Longgang Mountain to the north. Construction began in 1256 (the sixth year of the reign of Emperor Xianzong of the Mongol Empire), covering a total area of ​​250 square kilometers. Here, the Yuan Dynasty completed its magnificent transformation from the grasslands to the Central Plains. Eleven emperors ascended the throne here, and Shangdu was once hailed as a dazzling pearl of the East. It was once the largest capital city in the world. The Yuan Shangdu Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. The ruins consist of three parts: the Imperial City, the Palace City, and the Outer City. The Imperial City includes palace areas, imperial gardens, government offices, and temples; the Palace City includes the imperial palace area, imperial gardens, government offices, and Buddhist and Taoist temples; the Outer City includes handicraft areas, residential areas, and warehouse areas. The Yuan Shangdu Ruins Museum is a large-scale specialized museum showcasing the history and culture of Yuan Shangdu. The main building of the museum includes a preface hall, three exhibition halls, a concluding hall, and a cultural relics storage room. The museum has a building area of ​​3,085 square meters and a land area of ​​6,000 square meters, serving as a cultural venue integrating exhibitions, public education, cultural relics protection, and research. The museum primarily exhibits a large number of precious cultural relics and architectural models unearthed from the Yuan Shangdu site, including stone sculptures, stone carvings, bronze mirrors, bronze Buddha statues, gold and yuan coins, etc. In addition, the museum also features sand table models and 3D films, comprehensively showcasing the glorious history and splendid culture of Yuan Shangdu. Transportation: Driving is more convenient; alternatively, you can take a bus (bus fare is 25 yuan per person). The Yuan Shangdu site is located in Shangdu Town, Zhenglan Banner, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, situated on the Jinlianchuan Grassland along the Shandian River, bordered by the Shangdu River to the south and Longgang Mountain to the north. Construction began in the sixth year of the reign of Emperor Xianzong of the Mongol Empire (1256), covering a total area of ​​250 square kilometers. The Yuan Dynasty completed its magnificent transformation from the grasslands to the Central Plains here, with eleven emperors ascending the throne. Xanadu, once hailed as a dazzling pearl of the East, was the largest capital city in the world at the time. The Xanadu Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. The ruins consist of three parts: the Imperial City, the Palace City, and the Outer City. The Imperial City includes palace areas, imperial gardens, government offices, and temples; the Palace City includes the imperial palace, imperial gardens, government offices, and Buddhist and Taoist temples; and the Outer City includes handicraft areas, residential areas, and warehouse areas. The Xanadu Ruins Museum is a large-scale specialized museum showcasing the history and culture of Xanadu. The main museum building includes an introductory hall, three exhibition halls, a concluding hall, and a cultural relics storage room. The museum building covers an area of ​​3,085 square meters and occupies 6,000 square meters, serving as a cultural venue integrating exhibitions, public education, cultural relics protection, and research. The museum primarily exhibits a large number of precious cultural relics and architectural models unearthed from the Yuan Dynasty capital, Shangdu, including stone sculptures, stone carvings and paintings, bronze mirrors, bronze Buddha statues, and gold and yuan coins. In addition, the museum also features sand table models and 3D films, comprehensively showcasing the glorious history and splendid culture of Shangdu. Transportation: Driving is more convenient; alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus (bus fare is 25 yuan per person).

1️⃣ Shannan | Tibet 📍 The blue of Yamdrok Lake is the kind of blue that leaves you speechless after staring at it for three minutes. It's not far from Lhasa, about a two-hour drive one way by chartered car, but don't rush to sleep in the car. The moment you cross the Gangbala Pass, the entire lake suddenly bursts into view, without any transition, taking your breath away. ⏰ It's recommended to arrive at the lake before 10 am. In the afternoon, when the clouds thicken, the lake water changes from sapphire blue to grayish blue, losing its sharp beauty. Walk a short distance around the lake; don't just stop at the viewpoint, drive down the dirt road on the east shore—it's less crowded and the wind is gentler. ⚠️ The lakeside is at an altitude of nearly 4700 meters, so don't run or jump. A hat and sunglasses are essential. Apply sunscreen generously; sunburn really hurts. On the way back, stop by Rituo Monastery, that solitary monastery on a peninsula, which on a sunny day looks like a boat floating in blue—worth spending an extra twenty minutes there. 2️⃣ Zhaoqing | Guangdong Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain are well-established tourist attractions, but I'd rather take you to the West Causeway of Xinghu Lake for a stroll around 6 PM. The lake surface is bathed in a warm golden hue by the setting sun, and the outline of Seven Star Crags in the distance resembles a traditional Chinese ink painting. Locals stroll and walk their dogs, their pace so slow it makes you wonder if time is out of order. 🍜 After walking along the causeway, turn into Yanqian Village and find a small shop making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). The glutinous rice is wrapped around mung beans and pork belly, neatly squared in winter leaves, and steamed until soft and tender. One bite and you'll understand why Zhaoqing people insist on preparing this for the Lunar New Year. Pair it with a bowl of Zhaoqing sweet soup—double-skin milk or red bean paste will do—sweet and satisfying. ⚠️ Seven Star Crags entrance fee is not cheap; remember to bring your student ID. Dinghu Mountain is best visited early in the morning when the air is sweet, but the mountain paths are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. Xinghu Lake doesn't require an entrance fee; going in the evening is the most cost-effective. 3️⃣ Karamay | Xinjiang Urho World Devil City – just the name tells you it's not the gentle kind. The Yardang landforms have been eroded by the wind into bizarre shapes. Entering after 6 PM, the sunlight lengthens the shadows, making the entire mound resemble a giant, abandoned city. The sound of the wind blowing through the cracks in the rocks truly sounds like ghostly wailing – it's not just a legend. ⏰ It's best to enter the scenic area around 5 PM; going too early will result in unbearable sunburn. The sightseeing train will take you on a loop, but if you want to take good photos without people looking, get off halfway through, walk along a wooden boardwalk, and wait for the next train. ⚠️ There is no shade within the scenic area, so bring plenty of water. The light half an hour before sunset is the best, turning the yellowish-brown into a deep red – every photo is wallpaper-worthy. Don't rush to leave at night; the stars in the Gobi Desert are incredibly bright, but the temperature difference is significant, so a jacket is a must. 4️⃣ Wuhan|Hubei It's unrealistic to see all of Wuhan in one day, but the classic combination of Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake is just right for a weekend. Head to Yellow Crane Tower first in the morning. Don't drive; take the subway to Simenkou Yellow Crane Tower Station, Exit C, and you'll see it right there, saving you a detour. Climb the tower early; before 9 am, it's less crowded, allowing for a quieter view of the Yangtze River Bridge and the old city of Wuchang. Spend the afternoon at East Lake. Avoid the crowds at Tingtao Scenic Area; take a taxi directly to the South Gate of Moshan Scenic Area, rent a shared bike, and cycle along the lake. Cherry Blossom Garden and Plum Garden are in that area; if the season is right, you'll be greeted by a sea of ​​flowers. If you get tired, find a bench by the lake to sit on; the breeze is more relaxing than any massage. 🍜 I won't stop you from going to Hubu Alley in the evening, but I highly recommend Liangdao Street. Zhao Shifu's hot dry noodles and fried dough wrapped around shumai are flavors locals have enjoyed since childhood. ⚠️ Yellow Crane Tower tickets must be booked in advance through the official WeChat account; last-minute purchases during holidays are likely to result in missed tickets. The East Lake Greenway is crowded with cyclists on weekends, so be careful to avoid them. 5️⃣ Shanghai The Bund and Lujiazui are always packed, but Shanghai's weekends shouldn't be wasted on queuing. I suggest starting with the Guangfulin Cultural Site, the underwater museum in Songjiang, where the roof floats on the water like floating tiles. The Liangzhu culture artifacts on display are more interesting than you might expect; you can easily spend two hours there without getting bored. Yu Garden is best visited in the afternoon. Walk across the Nine-Turn Bridge, have a cup of tea at the Lake Pavilion, and watch the plump koi carp scrambling for food in the pond. The blend of local life and Jiangnan elegance makes it feel closer to old Shanghai than the Bund. ⚠️ Yu Garden closes for entry at 4 PM; avoid going right at closing time. Go to the Expo Park Riverside Promenade in the evening; it's much less crowded than the Bund. A gentle breeze blows across the river, and the neon lights on the opposite bank shimmer on the water, creating a unique urban feel that's distinctly Shanghai. 🎢 If you're traveling with children, dedicate a whole day to the Disney Resort. Weekend tickets are in high demand, so buying ten days in advance is the safest bet. The World Expo Park is free, but the China Pavilion requires reservations. 6️⃣ Benxi|Liaoning Is Benxi Water Cave the kind of place you'll regret not visiting, but will regret going even more? No, quite the opposite; you'll want to go back forever. The underground river within the cave is so clear you can see the reflections of the stalactites at the bottom. A boat trip through the cave is a pleasant experience; the temperature is around 12 degrees Celsius year-round, making it feel like natural air conditioning in the summer. ⏰ The park opens at 8:30 AM, so the first group enters to avoid the crowds. The entire tour takes about 40 minutes. Afterward, you can conveniently visit the nearby Guanmenshan National Forest Park, which is breathtakingly beautiful in autumn with its vibrant red leaves, but also offers a refreshing escape with its streams and lush greenery in the summer. Huanren Wunü Mountain holds significant importance among the Goguryeo ruins. Its steep slopes and panoramic views of the Hunjiang River from the summit are so expansive they'll make you want to shout. ⚠️ The temperature difference between inside and outside Benxi Water Cave is significant; even in summer, remember to bring a light jacket. Boat tickets and dry cave tickets are separate, so buying a combined ticket is more cost-effective. Wunü Mountain has many steps, so those with knee problems should consider carefully. 7️⃣ Xilin Gol | Inner Mongolia The Ulagai Grassland is the kind of place where "a phone camera can't capture even a tenth of its beauty." The sky is so low it feels like you could reach out and touch the clouds, the grass ripples like waves, and the wind carries the mixed scent of grass and earth. There are no commercialized tourist fences here; the best way to experience it is to drive along the country roads and stop whenever you see a hillside you like. 🚗 Hiring a car or driving yourself is recommended. It's about a four-hour drive from Xilinhot. The road conditions are good, but gas stations are far apart, so fill up whenever you see one. Signal is unstable on the grassland, so download offline maps beforehand. 🐎 If you want to ride horses, find a local herder's horse farm; the price is half that of the scenic area, and the horses are more docile. ⏰ June to August is when the grass is greenest; in September, the grass turns yellow, creating a different kind of desolate beauty. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes on the grassland, so long sleeves and pants are essential. Staying in a yurt for a night is a good experience, but it gets cold at night, so don't skimp on a warm sleeping bag. 8️⃣ Tangshan|Hebei What surprised me most about Tangshan was the Nanhu-Kailuan Scenic Area, a huge central urban ecological park with lakes, lawns, and reed beds interspersed. Taking a walk in the evening, you can see locals jogging and flying kites; the city's pace slows down, offering a rare sense of relaxation. It's free, and anyone can go. The Eastern Qing Tombs are a legitimate World Heritage Site, but don't just rush through. Hire a guide or rent an electronic audio guide; otherwise, you'll just see "a bunch of graves." The Xiaoling and Jingling Mausoleums are the main attractions, while the stone Buddha statues in the Yuling Mausoleum's underground palace are so exquisite they'll take your breath away; it's worth spending at least ten minutes admiring them. ⚠️ The mausoleum area is vast, so wear comfortable sneakers. Don't skimp on the sightseeing bus ticket, or your legs will be killing you. 🚄 From Beijing, take the high-speed train to Tangshan Station (about an hour). From there, take a taxi to the Eastern Qing Tombs (about 40 minutes). On the way back, you can stop by the city for a meal at Hongyan Restaurant for their braised pork knuckle—so tender and the skin easily separates from the meat. Served with a bowl of rice, it will completely wash away the day's fatigue. The hardest part of a spontaneous trip isn't the airfare or vacation time, but that thought of "I'll just give up." Eight places, eight weekends—let's get moving! 1️⃣ Shannan | Tibet 📍 The blue of Yamdrok Lake is the kind of blue that leaves you speechless after just three minutes of staring. It's not far from Lhasa, about a two-hour drive one way by chartered car, but don't rush to sleep in the car. Crossing the Gangbala Pass, the entire lake suddenly bursts into view, without any transition, taking your breath away. ⏰ It's recommended to arrive at the lake before 10 AM. In the afternoon, as the clouds thicken, the lake water changes from sapphire blue to grayish-blue, losing its striking beauty. Take a short walk around the lake; don't just stop at the viewpoint, drive down the dirt road on the east shore—it's less crowded and the wind is gentler. ⚠️ The lakeside is at an altitude of nearly 4700 meters, so don't run or jump. Hats and sunglasses are a must. Apply sunscreen generously; sunburn really hurts. On the way back, make a detour to Rito Temple, that solitary temple on the peninsula, which on a clear day looks like a boat floating in blue water—worth spending an extra twenty minutes there. 2️⃣ Zhaoqing|Guangdong Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain are established attractions, but I'd rather take you to the West Causeway of Xinghu Lake for a walk around 6 PM. The lake was bathed in a warm golden hue by the setting sun, and the outline of the Seven Star Crags in the distance resembled a traditional Chinese ink painting. Locals strolled and walked their dogs, their pace so slow it made you wonder if time had stopped. 🍜 After walking along the embankment, turn into Yanqian Village and find a small shop making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). The glutinous rice, wrapped around mung beans and pork belly, is neatly squared in winter leaves and steamed until soft and tender. One bite and you'll understand why people in Zhaoqing insist on preparing this for the Lunar New Year. Pair it with a bowl of Zhaoqing sweet soup—double-skin milk or red bean paste are both delicious and comfortingly sweet. ⚠️ Seven Star Crags entrance fee is not cheap; remember to bring your student ID. Dinghu Mountain is best visited early in the morning when the air is sweet, but the mountain paths are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. Xinghu Lake doesn't require an entrance fee; going in the evening is the most cost-effective. 3️⃣ Karamay|Xinjiang Urho World Devil City—just the name tells you it's not the gentle kind. The Yardang landforms, eroded by the wind, have formed bizarre and varied shapes. Entering after 6 PM, the sunlight lengthens the shadows, making the entire mound resemble a giant, abandoned city. The sound of the wind cutting through the cracks in the rocks truly sounds like ghostly wailing—it's not just a legend. ⏰ It's best to enter the scenic area around 5 PM; going too early will result in intense sun exposure and a question of life itself. The sightseeing train will take you on a loop, but if you want to take good photos without people looking, get off halfway through, walk along a wooden boardwalk, and wait for the next train. ⚠️ There are no shaded areas within the scenic area, so bring plenty of water. The light in the half hour before sunset is the best, turning the yellowish-brown to a deep red—every photo looks like a wallpaper. Don't rush to leave at night; the stars in the Gobi Desert are incredibly bright, but the temperature difference is significant, so a jacket is a must. 4️⃣ Wuhan|Hubei It's unrealistic to see all of Wuhan in one day, but the classic combination of the Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake is just right for a weekend. First thing in the morning: head to the Yellow Crane Tower. Don't drive; take the subway to Simenkou Yellow Crane Tower Station, Exit C, and you'll see it right there, saving you a detour. Climb the tower early; before 9 am, it's less crowded, allowing for a quieter view of the Yangtze River Bridge and the old city of Wuchang. In the afternoon, dedicate your time to East Lake. Avoid the crowds at Tingtao Scenic Area; take a taxi directly to the South Gate of Moshan Scenic Area, rent a shared bike, and cycle along the lake. Cherry Blossom Garden and Plum Garden are in that area; if the season is right, you'll be greeted by a sea of ​​flowers. If you get tired, find a bench by the lake to sit on; the breeze is more relaxing than any massage. 🍜 In the evening, I won't stop you from going to Hubu Alley, but I highly recommend Liangdao Street. Zhao Shifu's hot dry noodles and fried dough sticks wrapped in shumai are local favorites that people have enjoyed since childhood. ⚠️ Yellow Crane Tower tickets must be booked in advance through the official WeChat account; buying them on the spot during holidays may result in disappointment. The East Lake Greenway is crowded with cyclists on weekends, so be careful. 5️⃣ Shanghai The Bund and Lujiazui are always packed, but Shanghai's weekends shouldn't be wasted on queuing. I suggest starting with the Guangfulin Cultural Site, the underwater museum in Songjiang, with its roof floating on the water like floating tiles. The Liangzhu culture artifacts on display are more interesting than you'd expect; you could easily spend two hours there without getting bored. Yu Garden is best visited in the afternoon. Walk across the Nine-Turn Bridge, have a cup of tea at the lakeside pavilion, and watch the plump koi carp scrambling for food in the pond. The blend of local life and Jiangnan elegance feels more like old Shanghai than the Bund. ⚠️ Yu Garden closes for entry at 4 PM, so avoid going right at closing time. In the evening, head to the Expo Park riverside promenade; it's much less crowded than the Bund. A gentle breeze blows, and the neon lights on the opposite bank shimmer on the water—that urban feel is unique to Shanghai. 🎢 If you're traveling with children, dedicate a whole day to the Disney Resort. Weekend tickets are in high demand, so buy them at least ten days in advance for a safe bet. The World Expo Park is free, but the China Pavilion requires reservations. 6️⃣ Benxi|Liaoning Is Benxi Water Cave the kind of place you'll regret not visiting, but will regret going even more? No, quite the opposite; you'll want to keep going back. The underground river inside the cave is so clear you can see the reflections of the stalactites at the bottom. A boat trip through the cave is a pleasant experience; the temperature is around 12 degrees Celsius year-round, like having natural air conditioning in the summer. ⏰ The park opens at 8:30 am, so the first group enters to avoid crowds. The entire tour takes about 40 minutes. Afterwards, you can visit the nearby Guanmenshan National Forest Park, which is breathtakingly beautiful in autumn with its vibrant red leaves, but also enjoys a relaxing summer with its streams and lush greenery. Huanren Wunü Mountain holds significant importance among the Goguryeo ruins. Its steep slopes and panoramic views of the Hunjiang River from the summit are so expansive you'll want to shout. ⚠️ The temperature difference between inside and outside Benxi Water Cave is significant, so remember to bring a light jacket even in summer. Boat tickets and dry cave tickets are separate; buying a combined ticket is more cost-effective. Wunü Mountain has many steps, so those with knee problems should consider this carefully. 7️⃣ Xilin Gol | Inner Mongolia The Ulagai Grassland is the kind of place where "a phone camera can't capture even a tenth of its beauty." The sky is so low it feels like you can reach out and touch the clouds, the grass ripples like waves, and the wind carries the mixed scent of grass and earth. There are no commercialized tourist fences here; the best way to experience it is to drive along the country roads and stop whenever you see a hillside you like. 🚗 It's recommended to hire a car or drive yourself. It's about a four-hour drive from Xilinhot. The road conditions are good, but gas stations are far apart, so fill up whenever you see one. Signal is unstable on the grassland, so download offline maps beforehand. 🐎 If you want to ride horses, find a local herder's horse farm; the price is half that of the tourist area, and the horses are more docile. ⏰ June to August is when the grass is at its greenest; in September, it turns yellow, creating a different kind of desolate beauty. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes on the grasslands, so long sleeves and pants are essential. Staying in a yurt for a night is a great experience, but it gets cold at night, so don't skimp on a warm sleeping bag. 8️⃣ Tangshan|Hebei What surprised me most about Tangshan was the Nanhu-Kailuan Scenic Area, a huge central urban ecological park with lakes, lawns, and reed beds interspersed. Taking a walk there in the evening, you can see locals jogging and flying kites; the city's pace slows down, offering a rare sense of relaxation. It's free, and anyone can go. The Eastern Qing Tombs are a legitimate World Heritage Site, but don't rush through them. Hire a guide or rent an electronic audio guide, otherwise you'll just see "a bunch of tombs." The Xiaoling and Jingling Tombs are the main attractions, and the stone Buddha statues in the Yuling Underground Palace are so exquisite they'll take your breath away; they're worth spending at least ten minutes admiring. ⚠️ The mausoleum area is large, so wear comfortable sneakers. Don't skimp on the sightseeing bus ticket, or your legs will be killing you. 🚄 From Beijing, take the high-speed train to Tangshan Station (about an hour). From there, take a taxi to the Eastern Qing Tombs (about 40 minutes). On the way back, you can stop by the city center for a meal at Hongyan Restaurant for their braised pork knuckle—so tender and the skin easily separates from the meat. Served with a bowl of rice, it will completely wash away the day's fatigue. The hardest part of spontaneous travel isn't the plane tickets or vacation time, but that "forget it, let's not go" thought. Eight places, eight weekends—let's get moving!

Where to go on a small budget in Sep–Oct? These 8️⃣ places have fewer people and beautiful scenery 01 Pingdingshan|Henan Yaoshan plus the Zhongyuan Giant Buddha — one combo ticket fills a whole day. Take the Yaoshan cable car up halfway, then hike the rest. The stone steps aren't steep and the trees give solid shade; in autumn it feels just over 20°C, and after about half an hour you may need a light jacket. Seeing a sea of clouds from the summit depends on luck; the morning after rain in September has the highest chance. Don’t rush down — the plaza at the Buddha's feet is quieter after 6 PM. Look up at that huge golden statue; the setting sun often hits one side of its face, making perfect silhouettes for photos. At the row of farm restaurants by the park entrance, pick the busiest place and order a bowl of mountain mushroom noodles — the broth tastes way better than CNY 10 suggests. Warning: Buy the combo ticket online one day in advance — it’s CNY 20 cheaper than on-site. Buying the same day can take about 2 hours to issue, so don’t cut it close. Zhongyuan Giant Buddha scenic area 02 Songyuan|Jilin Chagan Lake isn't just for winter. In late September the grasslands turn yellow and the lake goes a deep, heavy blue; when the wind picks up the waves hit the shore like the sea. Jinchan Island is on the east side of the lake and you can drive right to the start of the boardwalk; walking the loop takes about 40 minutes. There are no trees on the island, so bring a hat when the sun’s out. Chagan Lake itself has no admission fee; boat tickets are divided into speedboat and pleasure boat — the speedboat is CNY 60 for 10 minutes, the pleasure boat is CNY 40 for a 40-minute loop. I took the pleasure boat; the slow drift through the reedbeds was worth it. After 3 PM the light is soft and the lake looks like it's been dusted with broken silver. A taxi from Songyuan station to Chagan Lake is about CNY 40, or CNY 15 per person for a shared ride. Lakeside B&Bs are under CNY 200; for dinner order a fathead carp about 2.5 jin — enough for two — served with flatbread, and you can easily spend CNY 50 per person to be full. Chagan Lake scenic area 03 Baoding|Hebei This trip links four distinct landforms; plan 2 days. Day 1: Western Qing Tombs and Yesanpo. Western Qing Tombs are unbelievably uncrowded — the glazed gate of Yongzheng's tomb glows gold in backlight around 4 PM, and the pine forest is so quiet you can hear your own footsteps. Ticket price includes an audio guide, so remember to pick it up. At Yesanpo, walk Bailixia along the valley bottom and you’ll be out after about 2.5 hours; look up to see a slit of sky, look down to find mountain streams — when you get hot, dip your hand in and the water is shockingly cold. Day 2: Baishi Mountain and Baiyangdian. You must take the cable car up Baishi Mountain; the cliffside boardwalk is suspended along the edge, so if you fear heights don’t look down. In autumn there’s about a 60% chance of a sea of clouds, but it’s windy so bring a windbreaker. Boat service on Baiyangdian stops in November, so September is perfect — cruise through the reedbeds for an hour and the boatman will stop so you can pick lotus seed pods for CNY 5 a handful. In Baoding city, get donkey-meat huoshao in the old town rather than near the attractions — a freshly baked bun stuffed with hot donkey meat is juicy and delicious. Warning: There’s no direct bus between Yesanpo and the Western Qing Tombs; driving is the smoothest option. By bus you must transfer at Yixian and it can cost half a day. Baishi Mountain world geopark 04 Xilin Gol League|Inner Mongolia Autumn on the Uragai grassland is what a grassland should be; summer just looks like a green carpet. In late September the grass turns yellow and the wind makes the whole plain look like it's rolling. Drive in from Bayin Hushuo town and you’ll see cows roaming freely along the road — honking won’t make them move. The earthen houses used in the filming of Wolf Totem are still there; a quick 20-minute walk costs CNY 30 — honestly not worth it, but the meadow in front of the entrance is prettier than much of the official site. Walk to the top of a slope and the Nine-bend River shines like a silver thread; it’s just you and the vast sky. At the town's Mongolian restaurants, order a pot of milk tea and hand-pulled meat; meat is sold by the jin — order about 1.2 jin (around 600 g) for two people, and you’ll spend about CNY 50 per person. Warning: There’s no signal on the grassland, so download offline maps in advance and fill the gas tank in town before you go. The nearest train station is Xilinhot; a drive from there takes about 2.5 hours. The road is good but very windy, so keep a firm grip on the wheel. Xilin Gol League · Inner Mongolia 05 Xiangtan|Hunan Caojia'ao Waterfall and the Shaoshan tourist area are in opposite directions — don’t try to do both in one day. The waterfall is deep in the mountains; park at the village entrance and walk about 20 minutes on a gravel road, and the mist hits your face from far away. In September and October the water isn’t huge, but there are very few people, and the pool under the waterfall is so clear you can count the stones — take off your shoes and step in and your toes will tingle. Shaoshan needs a full day; the area is large and there’s a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Mao’s former residence must be reserved two days in advance via the official WeChat account — on-site reservations are almost never available. Food inside the park is pricey and so-so, so bring some dry food and then go to town for a bowl of Xiangtan rice noodles for CNY 6 with generous toppings. The waterfall is best visited in the morning; before 10 AM light strikes the water curtain at an angle and you can capture rainbows. Warning: The electric shuttle in Shaoshan is CNY 20 per person; if you’re fit you can walk instead — shaded paths take about 40 minutes to reach the core area. Shaoshan tourist area 06 Yulin|Guangxi Darong Mountain, Yuntian Cultural City, and Wanhua Tower are three places with totally different vibes, but you can do all three in one day. Start at Darong Mountain in the morning — it takes over 40 minutes to drive from the foot to the top and the road has many curves, so drive slowly. The mountaintop lawn is rare in Guangxi; in autumn it’s just over 20°C and very windy, so keep your jacket on. The Lotus Pool is the most photogenic spot, with the water reflecting the grassy slope like a little Switzerland. At noon go down to Wanhua Tower — it’s free, not very tall, but the wood carvings are beautiful. In the old street below there’s a shop selling niuba noodles for CNY 10 a bowl, sweet and spicy — I even drank the soup. Spend the afternoon at Yuntian Cultural City — the CNY 180 ticket isn’t cheap, but the giant Buddha and carved pavilions are so finely crafted you’ll be looking up for a long time; the whole building looks as if it was moved out of a dream. Warning: There’s no food at the Darong Mountain summit, so bring water up from the base. A taxi from Yulin station to Wanhua Tower is about CNY 10, and to Yuntian Cultural City about CNY 15. Yuntian Cultural City 07 Dongying|Shandong The best thing at the Yellow River estuary ecological tourism area is one moment: watching the Yellow River meet the sea. In autumn the water volume is high, and the boundary between muddy yellow and deep blue is so clear it looks like a painted line. The park shuttle drops you at the distant viewing tower, then you switch to a speedboat to go out to sea — boat tickets are CNY 120 and the ride takes about 20 minutes to the confluence. The boat will stop for a few minutes so you can take photos; at that moment the wind tastes salty and the water is two different colors — nobody talks, everyone just snaps photos. September and October are also bird migration season, and the reedbeds host large flocks of egrets and grey herons — bring binoculars. The park has no proper restaurants; vendors at the entrance sell roasted sweet potatoes and corn for CNY 5 each to fill your stomach. Warning: It’s windy, so don’t wear an expensive hat — if it blows away you won’t get it back. The best light to see the confluence is from 1 PM to 3 PM, when the line is clearest; early morning and evening glare can blur it. A taxi from Dongying station takes about 50 minutes; round-trip taxi fare is about CNY 150, so include that in your budget. Yellow River estuary ecological tourism area 08 Wuhu|Anhui Fantawild theme park is a good finale for this trip — after seven days on the road, the last day should be low-effort. Choose one of the three parks and don’t try to do them all; I picked Dream Kingdom, whose roller coasters aren’t too intense but which has many attractions, perfect for easing off. Tickets are a bit over CNY 200; buying online one day ahead saves about CNY 30. Grab a map on entry and set a reminder for the 3 PM parade — missing it is a real regret. Night tickets are better value: enter at 4 PM and stay until the 9 PM closing, with fewer people and shorter lines; once the lights come on the park feels like a different place. Food in the park is expensive — a bowl of noodles is CNY 40, so eat well before you go. There’s a xiaolongbao shop at the entrance — 12 pieces for CNY 20, very juicy. Warning: Many attractions are under maintenance on Mondays, so avoid going then. A taxi from Wuhu station to Fantawild takes about 20 minutes and costs just over CNY 20. Wuhu station

Escape the summer heat with your kids in August! These 8️⃣ places are less crowded, beautiful, and cool. 01 Zhoushan | Zhejiang Summer in Zhoushan is truly comfortable. The sea breeze is more effective than an air-conditioned room. If you're bringing children, don't just focus on Putuoshan. Although it's popular with worshippers, the many steps will tire little ones quickly. I highly recommend island hopping to Gouqi Island and the Shengsi Islands. Gouqi Island boasts fine sand, and at low tide, you can find small crabs and hermit crabs—kids can play there all afternoon. Most guesthouses on the island face the sea; opening the curtains in the morning reveals a breathtaking blue expanse, instantly brightening your mood. The fishing villages of the Shengsi Islands are even quieter. In the evening, take your children to watch the fishing boats return to port. Aunties at the pier sell freshly steamed swimming crabs for 20 yuan each—they're incredibly fresh and sweet. ⏰ The best time to visit is before 9 am and after 4 pm. Avoid the strong midday sun. ⚠️ Ferry tickets are in high demand during peak season. Buy them three days in advance through the "Shengsi Passenger Transport" WeChat official account; queuing on-site usually results in no tickets. Transportation on the island relies on minibuses or chartered cars. Chartering a car is recommended for families with children; it costs around 300 RMB per day and saves effort. 02 Pingliang | Gansu Don't assume Gansu is hot; Pingliang is an exception. Kongtong Mountain has a high altitude, and the temperature there is several degrees lower than in the city. Sitting in the shade, with a cool breeze, it's a natural oxygen bar. For children, there's no need to climb to the summit; take the cable car to the middle platform, then walk a short, shaded trail. The whole trip takes about two hours and isn't tiring. There are many ancient buildings and Taoist temples on the mountain. Tell the children some legends as you walk; they'll listen with great interest. After descending the mountain, head to Kongtong Ancient Town at the foot of the mountain and find a farmhouse restaurant for lunch. The hand-pulled noodles with chili oil are so delicious that the children can easily eat two bowls. ⚠️ Tickets and cable car tickets for Kongtong Mountain can be purchased separately. If your child is young, a one-way cable car ride is sufficient, saving half the price. 🚄 A taxi ride from Pingliang city to the mountain gate takes about 15 minutes and costs less than 20 yuan. Signal is weak in the mountains, so download an offline map beforehand. 03 Xilin Gol League | Inner Mongolia Summer on the grasslands is cool enough to wear a jacket in the mornings and evenings, but daytime temperatures are only around 25-26 degrees Celsius. The Ulagai Grassland is much less crowded than Hulunbuir, offering expansive views and lush greenery. It's a great place for children to run around, enjoying horseback riding, riding the grassland train, and watching sheep return to their pens. The most delightful surprise is at night. There's no light pollution on the grasslands, and the sky is filled with stars, with the Milky Way clearly visible. Children lying on the grass counting stars experience a breathtaking sight that can never be found in the city. The yurt accommodations are basic, but the experience is excellent. In the evening, you can participate in a bonfire party, where the children jump around the fire, too excited to sleep. ⏰ The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant, with a sharp drop in temperature after 6 PM. Be sure to bring a fleece jacket for your children. 📍 There's a town called Bayinhushuo in the Ulagai Management Area. The supermarket there can replenish snacks and drinking water. ⚠️ Horse riding is charged by the hour, generally between 80 and 120 yuan per hour. Ask about the price before riding. 04 Zhangzhou|Fujian Zhangzhou is hot in summer, but it's blessed with water, mountains, and earthen buildings, offering a variety of activities. Yunshuiyao Ancient Town is best visited in the evening. A stream flows through the town, with ancient banyan trees providing ample shade. Walking barefoot on the pebbles is refreshing. Children can have water fights by the stream, while adults can sit on stone benches, drink tea, and enjoy the scenery. The Tulou in Nanjing are a must-see. The Tianluokeng Tulou cluster, with its "four dishes and one soup" (a traditional Tulou dish), is the most photogenic. The interiors of the Tulou are warm in winter and cool in summer; you'll notice a significant temperature drop upon entering. ⚠️ Tulou Scenic Area entrance fee is 90 yuan, but children under six years old or under 1.2 meters tall are free. Please bring your household registration booklet or ID card. The Binhai Volcanic National Geopark is best visited in the afternoon; the sea breeze is strong, so it's not too hot. The black volcanic rock coastline is unique, and children can squat by the tidal pool to watch small anemones and fish. 📍 There are vendors selling sea stone flowers at the scenic area entrance; three strings for 10 yuan, which kids love. 05 Shizuishan|Ningxia Shahu Lake is a magical place, half desert and half lake. In summer, the lakeside is cool, and the sand, moistened by the lake water, isn't hot to the feet. If you bring children, take a boat trip on the lake in the morning to see egrets flying over the reeds, and then go sandboarding on the dunes in the afternoon. Sandboard rental is 30 yuan per ride. Sliding down the sand slope, the children scream and laugh, and one ride isn't enough—they want to go again! The fish head soup at Shahu Lake is their signature dish. Freshly caught large silver carp from the lake are stewed until they turn milky white, incredibly delicious, and kids can easily eat a whole bowl of rice while soaking in the soup. ⚠️ The UV rays are strong in the desert, so reapply sunscreen every two hours, and a sun hat is a must. Bottled water in the scenic area costs eight yuan a bottle, so it's recommended to bring your own. 🚄 It takes about an hour to drive from Yinchuan city. A round-trip chartered car costs around 300 yuan, more expensive than the direct shuttle bus to the scenic area, but more flexible. 06 Huangshan | Anhui In summer, Huangshan is hot at the foot of the mountain but cool on the top. However, if you're traveling with children, I advise against pushing yourself uphill. Take the cable car up and down, and focus on exploring the ancient villages at the foot of the mountain. Xidi and Hongcun are close to each other; choose one to explore in more depth. Hongcun's water system is amazing; every household has running water in front of their door. Kids can sit by the Moon Pond watching the koi for half an hour without moving. Chengkan Ancient Village is less crowded, with remarkably well-preserved Hui-style architecture and cool, quiet alleyways. 📍 At the village entrance's autumn harvest square, instead of chili peppers, freshly harvested soybeans and corn are drying in the summer, creating vibrant colors and perfect for photos. The Ancient Huizhou Cultural Tourism Area is vast; one day isn't enough to see it all. Focus on the highlights: Chengkan and the Tangyue Memorial Archway Complex. ⏰ The best time to visit Hongcun is from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, before other tourists arrive, making the entire village yours. ⚠️ Hongcun entrance fee is 104 RMB, valid for three days. You can stay in a guesthouse in the village, enjoy the night view, and explore again in the morning. The hairy tofu and stinky mandarin fish at Tunxi Old Street in Huangshan City might not be to children's liking, but adults should definitely try them. 07 Jinzhong|Shanxi Summers in Jinzhong aren't humid, and mornings and evenings are cool. For a family trip with kids, the Qiao Family Compound is the top choice—famous, well-organized, and can be explored in two hours. The children weren't particularly interested in the stone and brick carvings in the ancient houses, but they could easily spend half a day playing on the large swing and stone mill in the backyard. The Wang Family Compound is much larger than the Qiao Family Compound, and it's tiring to walk around, but the architecture is more exquisite. If time is limited and you have to choose one, I'd pick the Qiao Family Compound; it's less tiring for the kids and saves adults some walking. Mianshan Mountain in Jiexiu is a great place to escape the summer heat. The mountain streams flow gently, and the temperature is five or six degrees Celsius lower than in the city. Taking the children for a walk along the boardwalk to see the waterfalls and pools is very refreshing. Pingyao Ancient City is best visited in the evening. After sunset, the area along the ancient city walls is filled with locals enjoying the cool air. 📍 There's a restaurant called "Jinshenglu" on South Street that makes authentic bowl-shaped noodles and oat noodles that kids will enjoy. ⚠️ The ancient city pass costs 125 yuan and includes more than 20 attractions. If you only want to visit the main street, you don't actually need to buy a separate ticket. Two hours is enough for a quick tour with children. 08 Qingyuan | Guangdong Summers in Guangdong are scorching, but Qingyuan hides a natural air-conditioned haven – the Lianzhou Underground River. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, so long sleeves are essential. A boat trip on the underground river offers stunning views of bizarre stalactites and stalagmites on both banks; children will point and say they look like elephants, mushrooms, and their imaginations will be fully sparked. The entire trip takes about two hours, half by boat and half on foot, so children won't find it tiring. Down jackets are available for rent at the entrance for 20 yuan each, but long sleeves are sufficient, so it's unnecessary. After leaving the cave, head to Lianzhou town for a bowl of Dongbei Shuijiao (a type of rice noodle soup), filled with meat and served with chili sauce – kids will love it too. ⚠️ The official entrance fee for the Lianzhou Underground River is 120 yuan, but during the summer holidays, there are often family packages available for 180 yuan for one adult and one child. Check the official WeChat account before purchasing. 🚄 It takes about two hours to drive from Qingyuan city center, with many mountain roads. Children prone to motion sickness should take motion sickness medication beforehand. I recommend staying in Lianzhou city proper; it's cool at night, and you can take a boat trip on the Huangchuan Three Gorges next to the underground river the next day. August is the perfect time to escape the summer heat with kids! These 8️⃣ places are less crowded, beautiful, and cool: 01 Zhoushan | Zhejiang Zhoushan is truly a comfortable place in summer. The sea breeze is even more effective than an air-conditioned room. If you're bringing children, don't just focus on Putuoshan. Although it's popular with worshippers, the many steps will tire little ones after a few steps. I highly recommend island hopping to Gouqi Island and the Shengsi Islands. The beaches on Gouqi Island are fine and soft. After the tide goes out, you can find small crabs and hermit crabs, and kids can play there all afternoon. Most guesthouses on the island face the sea; opening the curtains in the morning reveals a vast expanse of blue, instantly brightening your mood. The fishing villages in the Shengsi Islands are even quieter. In the evening, take your children to watch the fishing boats return to port. There are aunties selling freshly steamed swimming crabs at the pier for 20 yuan each—they're incredibly fresh and sweet. ⏰ The best times to visit are before 9 AM and after 4 PM. Avoid the midday sun as it's very strong. ⚠️ Ferry tickets are in high demand during peak season. Buy them three days in advance through the "Shengsi Passenger Transport" WeChat official account; you'll likely not be able to buy them on-site. Transportation on the island relies on minibuses or chartered cars. Chartering a car is recommended for families with children; it costs around 300 RMB per day and saves effort. 02 Pingliang | Gansu Don't assume Gansu is hot; Pingliang is an exception. Kongtong Mountain has a high altitude, and the temperature there is several degrees lower than in the city. Sitting in the shade, with a cool breeze, it's a natural oxygen bar. For children, there's no need to climb to the summit. Take the cable car to the middle platform, then walk a short, shaded trail. The whole trip takes about two hours and isn't tiring. There are many ancient buildings and Taoist temples on the mountain. Tell your children some legends as you walk; they'll listen with great interest. After descending the mountain, head to Kongtong Ancient Town at the foot of the mountain and find a farmhouse restaurant for lunch. The hand-pulled noodles with chili oil are so delicious the kids could easily eat two bowls. ⚠️ Kongtong Mountain tickets and cable car tickets can be purchased separately. If your child is small, a one-way cable car ride is sufficient, saving half the price. 🚄 A taxi ride from Pingliang city to the mountain gate takes about 15 minutes and costs less than 20 yuan. Signal is weak in the mountains, so download an offline map beforehand. 03 Xilin Gol League | Inner Mongolia Summer on the grasslands is cool enough to wear a jacket in the mornings and evenings, but daytime temperatures are only around 25-26 degrees Celsius. The Ulagai Grassland is much less crowded than Hulunbuir, offering expansive views and lush greenery. Bring your children to play freely; they can ride horses, take the grassland train, and watch sheep return to their pens. The most surprising experience is at night. There is no light pollution on the grasslands, and the sky is filled with stars, with the Milky Way clearly visible. Children lying on the grass counting stars—the awe-inspiring experience is something you can never feel in the city. The yurt accommodations are basic, but the experience is fantastic. You can even join a bonfire party in the evening; the kids jump and play around the fire, too excited to sleep. ⏰ The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant, with a sharp drop after 6 PM. Be sure to bring a fleece jacket for your children. 📍 There's a town called Bayinhushuo in the Ulagai Management Area. The supermarket there can stock up on snacks and drinking water. ⚠️ Horse riding is charged by the hour, generally between 80 and 120 yuan per hour. Ask about the price before getting on the horse. 04 Zhangzhou|Fujian Zhangzhou is hot in summer, but it's beautiful with its water, mountains, and earthen buildings, offering a variety of activities. Yunshuiyao Ancient Town is best visited in the evening. A stream flows through the town, with ancient banyan trees providing ample shade. Walking barefoot on the pebbles is refreshing. Children can have water fights by the stream, while adults can sit on stone benches, drink tea, and enjoy the scenery. The Tulou (earthen buildings) in Nanjing are a must-see, especially the Tianluokeng Tulou cluster with its famous "four dishes and one soup" (a traditional Tulou dish) – it's incredibly photogenic. The interiors of the Tulou are warm in winter and cool in summer; you'll notice a significant temperature drop once you step inside. ⚠️ The Tulou scenic area entrance fee is 90 yuan, but children under six or under 1.2 meters tall are free. Bring your household registration booklet or ID card. The Binhai Volcanic National Geopark is best visited in the afternoon; the sea breeze is strong, so it's not too hot. The black volcanic rock coastline is unique, and children can squat by the tidal pools to watch the small anemones and fish. 📍 There are vendors selling seaweed flowers at the entrance of the scenic area; three strings for 10 yuan, which kids love. 05 Shizuishan|Ningxia Shahu Lake is a magical place, half desert and half lake. In summer, the lakeside is cool, and the sand, moistened by the lake water, isn't too hot to walk on. If you bring children, take a boat trip on the lake in the morning to see egrets flying over the reeds, and then go sandboarding on the dunes in the afternoon. Sandboards cost 30 yuan to rent once. Kids scream and laugh as they rush down the sand dunes, and one ride isn't enough—they want to go again! The fish head soup at Shahu Lake is a signature dish; freshly caught bighead carp from the lake is stewed until it turns milky white—it's so delicious it'll make your eyebrows fall off! Kids can easily eat a whole bowl of rice while soaking in the soup. ⚠️ The UV rays are strong in the desert, so reapply sunscreen every two hours, and a sun hat is a must. Bottled water costs 8 yuan a bottle in the scenic area, so it's recommended to bring your own. 🚄 It takes about an hour to drive from Yinchuan city. A round-trip chartered car costs 300 yuan, more expensive than the direct shuttle bus to the scenic area, but more flexible. 06 Huangshan | Anhui In summer, Huangshan is hot at the foot of the mountain but cool on the top. But if you're traveling with children, I advise against pushing yourself uphill. Take the cable car up and down, and focus on exploring the ancient villages at the foot of the mountain. Xidi and Hongcun are close to each other; choose one to explore in depth. Hongcun's water system is wonderful; every household has running water in front of their door. Children can sit by the Moon Pond watching the koi for half an hour without moving. Chengkan Ancient Village is even less crowded, with remarkably well-preserved Hui-style architecture. The alleyways are cool and quiet. 📍 At the village entrance's autumn harvest square, instead of chili peppers, freshly harvested soybeans and corn are drying in the summer—the colors are beautiful and make for great photos. The Ancient Huizhou Cultural Tourism Area is vast; you can't see it all in one day. Focus on the highlights: Chengkan and the Tangyue Memorial Archway Complex. ⏰ The best time to visit Hongcun is from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, before the tourists arrive, and the whole village is yours to explore. ⚠️ Hongcun's entrance fee is 104 RMB, valid for three days. You can stay in a guesthouse in the village, enjoy the night view, and then explore again in the morning. The hairy tofu and stinky mandarin fish in Tunxi Old Street in Huangshan City might not be to children's liking, but adults should definitely try them. 07 Jinzhong | Shanxi Summers in Jinzhong aren't humid, and mornings and evenings are cool. For visiting traditional courtyard houses with kids, the Qiao Family Compound is the top choice—famous, well-organized, and can be explored in about two hours. Kids aren't particularly interested in the stone and brick carvings inside the ancient houses, but they can easily spend half a day playing on the large swing and stone mill in the backyard. The Wang Family Compound is much larger than the Qiao Family Compound and more tiring to walk around, but the architecture is more exquisite. If time is limited and you have to choose one, I'd pick the Qiao Family Compound; it's less tiring for kids and saves adults some walking. Mianshan Mountain in Jiexiu is a great place to escape the summer heat. The mountain streams flow gently, and the temperature is five or six degrees lower than in the city. Take your kids for a walk along the boardwalk to see the waterfalls and pools—it's very refreshing. Pingyao Ancient City is best visited in the evening. After sunset, the area along the ancient city walls is filled with locals enjoying the cool air. 📍 There's a restaurant called "Jinshenglu Food Shop" on South Street that makes authentic bowl-shaped noodles and oat noodles—kids will love them. ⚠️ The ancient city pass costs 125 yuan and includes access to over 20 attractions. If you only plan to visit the main street, you don't actually need a separate ticket. Two hours is sufficient for a quick tour with children. 08 Qingyuan | Guangdong Guangdong summers are scorching, but Qingyuan hides a natural air-conditioned haven – the Lianzhou Underground River. The temperature inside the cave remains around 18 degrees Celsius year-round, so long sleeves are necessary. A boat trip on the underground river offers views of bizarrely shaped stalactites and stalagmites on both banks. Children point and say they look like elephants, mushrooms, and their imaginations are fully unleashed. The entire trip takes about two hours, half by boat and half on foot, so children won't find it tiring. Down jackets are available for rent at the cave entrance for 20 yuan each, but long sleeves are sufficient, so it's unnecessary. After leaving the cave, head to Lianzhou town for a bowl of Dongbei Shuijiao (a type of rice noodle soup), filled with meat and served with chili sauce – children will love it too. ⚠️ The entrance fee to Lianzhou Underground River is 120 yuan, but during the summer holidays, there are often family packages available for 180 yuan for one adult and one child. Check the official WeChat account before purchasing. 🚄 It takes about two hours to drive there from Qingyuan city center. The roads are mostly mountainous, so children prone to motion sickness should take medication beforehand. It's recommended to stay in Lianzhou city center; the evenings are cooler, and you can take a boat trip on the Huangchuan Three Gorges next to the Underground River the next day.

Take the kids to see the world with these 8 uncrowded and beautiful spots, perfect for a National Day getaway 1️⃣ Weifang, Shandong Qingzhou Ancient City isn't one of those brand-new, imitation-style streets. The stone paths are polished smooth, and the old shops on both sides sell freshly made Longsheng pastries. ⏰ Arrive at Fucai Gate before 8:00 AM, before the crowds pour in, and you can hear the vendors calling out for tofu pudding. Don't rush to the main street with the kids; turn into the small alleys on the west side of Ouyuan Street. It's less crowded, pomegranate flowers peek over the walls, and you won't have to dodge heads in your photos. Entry to the ancient city is free, but Ouyuan Garden costs ¥20. It has exquisite rockeries and ponds where kids can feed the koi. For lunch, stop by the Old Locust Tree Pan-fried Bun shop in the south of the city. The beef-filled buns have crispy bottoms and cost ¥3 each. ⚠️ Tour groups flock here after 2:00 PM, so it's best to pack your itinerary into the morning. After you're done, head straight to Dongguan Market to buy some Qingzhou honey peaches; they're half the price of those at the scenic area entrance. 2️⃣ Xinzhou, Shanxi It's windy at Yanmen Pass, so put a windbreaker on your child before heading up the mountain. 📍 Enter from the Houyaopu entrance and walk a section of the Great Wall trail. The steps aren't steep, and a seven-year-old can climb them on their own. You can skip the Zhenbian Temple inside the pass; it's better to look at the mountain landscape from in front of the pass tower—that sense of vastness isn't something you can get from a textbook. Laoniu Bay is better for the evening. ⏰ The light at 5:30 PM turns the Yellow River a golden red, and kids can play for half an hour throwing stones on the shore. Don't try to see all of Mount Wutai; just visiting Tayuan Temple and Xiantong Temple in Taihuai Town is enough. Kids will be curious to follow along as you spin the prayer wheels under the White Pagoda. ⚠️ Vehicle access to Mount Wutai is strictly controlled during the National Day holiday. Reserve a vehicle quota in advance via their official WeChat account, or you'll have to park outside the scenic area and take a bus, which is a hassle when traveling with family. 3️⃣ Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Baishuitai looks like a giant tiered cake, with milky-white steps formed by calcium carbonate deposits and water that is an unreal shade of blue. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM when the light is angled, the water's reflection is at its best, and it's less crowded. It's a 3.5-hour drive from Lijiang, and the last stretch of mountain road has many curves, so have motion sickness medicine ready. The boardwalk at Shudu Lake in Pudacuo is an easy walk. Yaks graze in the distance, and squirrels will come over to beg for food; bring some sunflower seeds to coax the kids through the whole trail. There are many steps at Songzanlin Monastery, so it's recommended to carry small children rather than forcing them to climb. The boardwalk at Tiger Leaping Gorge is well-built, but the vertical drop down to the valley floor is significant. ⚠️ Seniors with bad knees shouldn't push themselves; just take a look from the viewing platform. The altitude is a bit high, so don't take a bath on the first day and drink plenty of hot water. 4️⃣ Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Maling River Canyon looks like a giant crack, with waterfalls crashing down from the cliffs on both sides and mist hitting your face. 📍 Take the trail down from the Dachaiwo entrance. It's all downhill steps until you reach Haishi Bridge, then turn back. It's a two-hour round trip that kids can handle. The canyon is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and avoid sandals. Wanfenglin is better explored by e-bike. There are paved roads between the villages, and you can rent a bike for ¥40 per hour, stopping whenever you like. The Bagua Fields in Xiaonahui Village are worth seeing; the rice paddies are arranged in a Bagua shape, and in autumn, the rice turns yellow, making for a beautiful sight. 🍜 For lunch, have egg fried rice in the village paired with sour soup fish. You can eat your fill for ¥30 per person. ⚠️ After 4:00 PM, Wanfenglin is backlit, making faces look dark in photos. Try to finish exploring the main scenic area before 3:00 PM. 5️⃣ Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia Autumn in the Ulagai Grassland is golden, with haystacks scattered across the fields like someone spilled a handful of chess pieces. 📍 Start from Bayinhushuo Town and drive toward Hesigenuo'er; you can pull over on the side of the road to enjoy the scenery. There are no fixed attractions on the grassland; the best way to play is to find a dirt road and drive deeper in. Stop when you see a flock of sheep; the herdsmen usually won't chase you away. Kids can chase grasshoppers or lie on the haystacks and daydream. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland exceeds 15 degrees, so you must bring a thick jacket. ⏰ Don't miss the sunset at 6:30 PM; the entire grassland is dyed orange-red, a sense of openness you'll never experience in the city. Choose a homestay in town for accommodation; the conditions are average but clean. Don't count on staying in a yurt; it's too cold at night this season. 6️⃣ Jiayuguan, Gansu Enter the Jiayuguan Pass after 4:00 PM when the tour groups have mostly left. The setting sun illuminates the city walls in a warm yellow, making for great photos. 📍 Enter from the East Gate, walk along the central axis past the General's Mansion, and finally climb the Rouyuan Tower. The whole trip takes two hours, and the ground is flat enough for a stroller. There's a reed marsh outside the pass; in autumn, the reed catkins drift about, and kids love to pick them and play. ⚠️ There's no need to take the electric cart in the scenic area; it's only a 10-minute walk. Save the ¥20 to buy the kids a creative souvenir ice cream. 🍜 After exploring, head to the Datang Food Street in the city. The lamb skewers are grilled to order and served with apricot skin tea to cut the grease. You can eat comfortably for ¥50 per person. Watch out for the wind; tie your hat tight so it doesn't blow away. 7️⃣ Chizhou, Anhui Mount Jiuhua isn't just about climbing a mountain; it's more like an ancient town built into the mountains. ⏰ Take the scenic area bus up the mountain at 7:00 AM and go to Huacheng Temple first. This is the founding temple of Mount Jiuhua. In the release pond at the entrance, turtles stack up to bask in the sun, which kids can watch for ages. You have to climb 81 steps to the Flesh Body Hall; it's not long but steep, so it's fine to hold a small child's hand. You can take a cable car up to Baisui Palace for ¥55 one way. From the top, you can overlook the temple complex in the valley, which looks like a miniature landscape. 🍜 The vegetarian food on the mountain is worth trying, and the Jiuhua vegetarian cakes make a great souvenir at ¥10 a box. ⚠️ During the National Day holiday, private cars can only park at the visitor center at the foot of the mountain. Keep your luggage as light as possible; there are many slopes in the mountain accommodation area, and dragging a suitcase is a nightmare. 8️⃣ Wanning, Hainan Shimei Bay is much quieter than Sanya, with fine white sand and light green water. 📍 Go down from the free entrance next to the Westin Hotel. It's uncrowded, and kids can run around freely. The coastal green skin forest acts as a natural parasol; just lay out a picnic mat and you can lie there all afternoon. Riyue Bay is a surfing hotspot, but don't try surfing with kids; just picking up seashells on the beach is fun enough. ⏰ Go watch the sunset at 5:30 PM; the entire sea surface glitters with gold, looking better than any filter. 🍜 For lunch, go to the Xinglong Overseas Chinese Farmers' Market. There are many Nanyang-style pastry shops; the pandan cakes and curry fish balls are delicious and more affordable than the restaurants in the scenic area. ⚠️ The sun is most intense at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. Don't let children be exposed to the sun without protection, and reapply sunscreen every two hours.

I once swore, "I'm never coming back again" 🙅‍♀️ The grasslands in September have indeed faded from green to a golden carpet~ But! I encountered the most stunning herd of horses in my life! 🐎 📍Location: Xilin Jiuquwan Tourist Area, Xilinhot (East side of Xizhang Expressway, Xilinhot City, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia; open all day, all year round) Sunlight spilled over the grassland, and a few horses were grazing leisurely 🌾 They were sturdy, their coats glistening in the sun ✨ In that moment, I suddenly understood what they meant by the "soul of the grassland" 💫 Although I didn't see the lush green grassland of summer, the autumn grassland paired with these magnificent steeds is a completely different kind of breathtaking! Golden background + horse silhouettes, every shot is a masterpiece 📸 Ladies, don't make the same mistake I did by chasing the green grass 🐛 But if you want to see super handsome horses, autumn is definitely worth it! (Quietly: The horses are gentler than you'd imagine, you can observe them up close~)

Traveling with parents is less about the cost and more about the fear of wearing them out. I have personally taken my own "picky judges" to these eight places. The pace is slow, the scenery is stunning, and the food and accommodation are hassle-free. Follow this guide, and both you and your parents will have a wonderful, stress-free time. 1️⃣ Xilingol League | Inner Mongolia The grasslands aren't just about Hulunbuir; the Wulagai area is quieter and much better suited for seniors. You can drive directly into the heart of the grasslands, so there's no need for climbing or long walks. 📍 I recommend parking your car under that row of birch trees by Wulagai Lake, laying out a moisture-proof mat, and watching the clouds drift by. Your parents will suddenly become more talkative and start sharing stories from their youth—just listen. ⏰ The light is softest between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, so you won't need filters for portraits. ⚠️ Temperatures on the grasslands fluctuate significantly between day and night, so be sure to pack a light down jacket for your parents, even in summer. 🍜 The hand-grabbed mutton with wild chive flower sauce in town is tender and not gamey; even seniors can chew it easily. 2️⃣ Baoji | Shaanxi When bringing parents to Baoji, don't rush to climb Taibai Mountain. Instead, take the cable car up to an altitude of over 3,000 meters, then walk along the gentle slope for half an hour to see the sea of clouds beneath your feet. If your parents have bad knees, head straight to the Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area. It's mostly flat with plenty of shade, and there are benches everywhere if they get tired. 📍 The square in front of the Namgyal Sarira Pagoda is windy, so remember to have your parents wear hats. Guanshan Grassland is better for an overnight stay. After the horseback riding activities wind down in the evening, the grassland becomes quiet enough to hear the wind. ⏰ The morning mist at 5:30 AM against the silhouette of the yurts is more moving than any other attraction. ⚠️ I don't recommend taking seniors on the "Frozen Mountain Wind" trail; it has a lot of gravel and slippery paths, so even young people need to be careful. 3️⃣ Tangshan | Hebei What surprised me most about the Eastern Qing Tombs is that the ground is flat enough for a wheelchair, so seniors can walk around without getting tired. 📍 Start your tour at the Yuling Mausoleum, then continue to the Cixi Mausoleum. The two are close by, making for a perfect pace. ⚠️ The underground palace is cold and damp, so bring a jacket for your parents even in summer. The Nanhu-Kailuan Scenic Area is better for the evening. The lake is vast, the breeze carries moisture, and a full loop takes about 40 minutes—or you can take the sightseeing car if you get tired. 🍜 Buy the Qizi sesame seed cakes at the entrance while they're hot; the meat-filled ones are better than the red bean ones, and two are enough for seniors. ⏰ Enter the park after 4:00 PM for soft light and fewer crowds, so you won't have to fight for photo spots. 4️⃣ Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan The First Bend of the Nujiang River in Bingzhongluo has an observation deck right by the road. You can see it just a few steps after getting out of the car, which is extremely senior-friendly. 📍 I recommend arriving before 10:00 AM. The mist over the river hasn't cleared yet, and the sunlight piercing through the clouds onto the bend creates distinct layers of color. Be cautious about Nanjiluo; the road conditions into the mountains are average. If your parents get carsick, you might want to skip this part. ⏰ In autumn and winter, the river water is a blue-green color, which looks much better than the murky water during the rainy summer season. ⚠️ Accommodation in the village is limited. For seniors, I recommend staying in Gongshan County. It's a 40-minute drive away, but the hot water and beds are much more reliable. 🍜 The local stone-baked cakes with butter tea are savory and easy for seniors to enjoy. 5️⃣ Jinan | Shandong The Baotu Spring Scenic Area, Daming Lake, and Wulongtan Park are all connected. The entire route is flat, and there are boats available whenever you get tired. 📍 Enter from the East Gate of Baotu Spring and walk along the spring water all the way to Daming Lake. It takes exactly two hours, and you don't have to backtrack. ⏰ Arrive when it opens at 7:30 AM to avoid crowds, see the clear spring water, and hear the locals chatting while fetching water. Thousand Buddha Mountain is better for the afternoon. Take the cable car up, and it's just a short walk to Xingguo Chan Temple. ⏰ In the evening, you can see the panoramic view of Jinan from the top of the mountain, with the sunset perfectly positioned to the west of the city. ⚠️ The steps on the mountain can be slippery, so make sure your parents wear shoes with non-slip soles. 6️⃣ Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture | Jilin The biggest advantage of the Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone is that the roads are well-paved and the electric shuttle service is seamless, so seniors hardly need to walk much. 📍 Start from Zhengjue Temple and head up to the Golden Tripod Buddha. The steps aren't too steep, and there are rest platforms along the way. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM when the air is crisp and the sunlight hits the Buddha statue, creating a solemn yet warm atmosphere. ⚠️ The vegetarian restaurant in the scenic area gets crowded at noon, so I recommend grabbing a seat before 11:30 AM or bringing your own snacks. 🍜 The Korean cold noodles in Dunhua city at the foot of the mountain have a sweet and sour broth and chewy buckwheat noodles. Just remember to ask the restaurant for a warm version, as seniors' stomachs might not handle it if it's too icy. 🚄 It takes about an hour to charter a car from Yanji city. The road conditions are good and the ride is smooth. 7️⃣ Shenzhen | Guangdong When bringing parents to Shenzhen, don't go to Window of the World during the day. Enter after 4:00 PM; the lights look ten times better than in the daytime, and it's not as hot. 📍 Dameisha Beach Park is better for the morning. The beach is flat, the water is clean, and you can rent two lounge chairs for your parents to sit and watch the sea while you go play in the waves. The Overseas Chinese Town resort area has plenty of shade, making it perfect for hiding from the sun at noon. I highly recommend staying one night at the Mission Hills Resort. The trails, converted from a golf course, are flat and quiet. ⏰ Go for a walk at 6:00 AM to hear the birds and the wind. ⚠️ Shenzhen subway transfer stations are huge. Try to take a taxi when traveling with seniors; don't save money on this, as the energy you save can be used to visit another attraction. 8️⃣ Zhangye | Gansu The Rainbow Mountains were the biggest hit with my parents on this trip. The colors look like an overturned palette and don't need any filters at all. 📍 Take the scenic area bus directly to Observation Deck No. 4 for the widest view and fewer steps. ⏰ Enter two hours before sunset. The light hits the Danxia landforms at an angle, bringing out all the layers of red and gold. ⚠️ It's windy in the scenic area, so make sure your parents wear hats, or they might get a headache. The Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye is in the city center. The indoor tour is not tiring, and the reclining Buddha is massive—my parents were amazed. The steps at the Mati Temple's 33-Grottoes are steep, so if your parents have trouble walking, don't go up; just look at the architecture from below. 🍜 The "rubbing fish" noodles (cuoyu mian) at the Ganzhou Night Market in the city are chewy and the broth is delicious. My parents wanted another bowl after finishing the first. Of these eight places, my parents liked Xilingol League and Zhangye the best—one for its tranquility and the other for its breathtaking scenery. Which ones have you taken your parents to? Let's chat in the comments and provide some references for other friends.

Budget travel to 8 cities in September, you can have a blast on a CNY 1,000 budget 01 Nanping | Fujian In September, the heat in Wuyi Mountains has mostly faded, making bamboo rafting just right—not too sunny or stuffy. The water in Nine-Bend Stream is so clear you can see the pebbles at the bottom. When the boatman poles the raft, he casually sings folk songs, which is much more vivid than what's written in the guides. ⏰ I recommend catching an early bamboo raft. The 7 AM boat is less crowded, the water is quiet, and the mist hasn't cleared yet, giving your photos a natural filter. 📍 Enter from the south entrance of the scenic area, take the sightseeing bus to Xingcun Wharf, and then board the raft. Don't rush off after getting off the raft. Turn toward Song Street. There's a small stall on the side of the road selling smoked goose. It's spicy and goes perfectly with a bowl of wonton soup. Buy attraction tickets and bamboo rafting tickets separately. Remember to book your time slot on official channels a day in advance; if you wait to queue on-site, you might miss out. If you're hiking, the steps at Tianyou Peak are steep, so seniors and children should be careful. For those with average stamina, walking the Huxiaoyan and Yixiantian route is memorable enough. 02 Changzhi | Shanxi Autumn comes early to the Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon. In September, you can already smell the cool, grassy scent mixed into the mountain breeze. Baquan Gorge is the core area. Upon entering the scenic area, first take a boat through the water gorge. The stone walls on both sides look like they were split by a knife, and the water is a deep, heavy green. As the boat passes, you can hear the sound of water echoing in the valley. After getting off the boat, walk along the plank road. There's a section where you have to squeeze through a narrow cave, bending and turning sideways. People on the heavier side might get stuck—don't ask me how I know. ⚠️ There are few supply points in the scenic area, so bring your own water and a small snack. Don't count on buying a hot meal halfway through. ⏰ The whole route takes about 4 hours. After 3 PM, the light softens, and the stone walls in the canyon take on a warm hue, which looks much better than at noon. The admission ticket includes the boat ride and electric cart. The package is around CNY 180, and student IDs get a discount. 03 Xilingol League | Inner Mongolia The Ulagai Grassland starts turning yellow in September, but it's not a withered yellow; it's the golden color of sunlight hitting the tips of the grass. Driving in, you'll see herds of sheep and cattle on both sides of the road, and occasionally horses galloping past your car window, their hooves thudding dully. 📍 After navigating to the Ulagai Management Area, drive toward Bayinhushuo. There are yurt camps run by herdsmen along the road where you can stop for a bowl of milk tea. The owner will enthusiastically teach you how to milk a cow. 🍜 Have lunch at the camp. Try the hand-grabbed mutton with chive flower sauce. The meat is freshly slaughtered and incredibly tender. It costs about CNY 50 per person to eat your fill. ⚠️ Signal is poor on the grassland, so download offline maps in advance. Gas stations are also scarce, so fill up your tank before entering the grassland. ⏰ The sunset in the evening is worth the wait. The light dyes the entire grassland a honey color. It's windy, so remember to bring a windbreaker. 04 Kaifeng | Henan Kaifeng is a city where you should slow down; visiting two spots a day is enough. In the morning, head to the Millennium City Park. The park replicates the street scenes of Bianjing from the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" painting. Staff dressed in Song Dynasty clothing hawk their wares on the street, and acrobatics and puppet shows are performed in turns, creating a fully immersive atmosphere. ⏰ After the park opens, head toward Rainbow Bridge first; it's less crowded, making it easier to take photos. Prices inside the park are on the high side—a bottle of mineral water is CNY 8—so it's recommended to bring your own water. Leave the park at noon and walk to the Xisi Night Market. The stir-fried jelly noodles and soup dumplings there are half the price of those in the scenic area. You can eat your fill for about CNY 20 per person. In the afternoon, go to the Lord Bao Temple. It's not big and can be toured in half an hour. Take a look at the dragon-headed guillotine from the "Zha Mei An" case and listen to a story about Lord Bao solving a case. 05 Hengshui | Hebei The beauty of Hengshui Lake in September is so quiet that it makes you afraid to speak loudly. The reed marshes have sprouted white tassels. When the wind blows, the whole field of reeds rustles as if whispering in your ear. Rent a pedal boat and slowly row to the center of the lake. The water is so flat it reflects the entire sky. ⏰ The light after 5 PM is the gentlest, and the lake surface shatters into pieces of gold foil. ⚠️ It's sunniest around 2 or 3 PM. There's no shade on the lake, so don't forget your hat and sunscreen. 📍 Board the boat from the visitor center on the north shore. There's a small stall by the pier selling roasted corn for CNY 5 a cob. It's fragrant and charred—the taste of childhood. Cycling around the lake is also recommended. Rental points are on the south shore, costing CNY 20 per hour. If you ride near Meizhuang, you can see large patches of withered lotus leaves. Although the blooming season is over, that sense of decay has its own charm. 06 Shizuishan | Ningxia The beauty of Shahu Lake lies in the combination of sand and water—half desert, half lake. When the September wind blows, the two colors collide like an overturned palette. Take a boat through the reed marshes. In the open areas of the lake, you can see water birds flying past, the sound of their flapping wings exceptionally clear in the vast space. After getting off the boat, climb the sand dunes. Step on them barefoot; the sand is warm from the sun, not scorching like in July or August, but rather like getting a foot massage. ⚠️ It's windy on the dunes, so tie your hat tight, or it will be blown into the lake in the blink of an eye. 🏄 Sand sliding is worth a try. The few seconds you spend rushing down from the top, with the sound of wind and sand in your ears, are thrilling but not scary. It costs CNY 40 per ride. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM; there aren't many footprints on the dunes yet, making for clean photos. 07 Xuancheng | Anhui Chaji Ancient Village is much quieter than Hongcun. On a September morning, the stone bridge at the village entrance is shrouded in morning mist, and the stream flows under the bridge with a sound as soft as sleep-talking. Walking into the village, old houses with white walls and black tiles stand side by side. The alleys are so narrow that two people passing each other have to turn sideways. 📍 Walk along the Xu Stream, and you'll pass several old Ming and Qing dynasty houses. The brick carvings on the lintels are so intricate you won't be able to take your eyes off them. 🍜 There's a stall at the village entrance making hairy tofu. It sizzles on the iron plate. Brushed with a layer of spicy sauce, it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It costs CNY 10 for three pieces. ⏰ I recommend staying overnight in the village. Homestays cost about CNY 120 per person. At night, there are no tourists, only the barking of dogs and the chirping of insects. In the early morning, you can watch villagers washing vegetables by the stream. Jixi Longchuan is a one-hour drive from Chaji. The carvings in the Hu Family Ancestral Hall are the pinnacle of Hui-style architecture and are worth a separate trip. 08 Tianjin Tianjin is a city best explored by city walk. The September breeze is neither dry nor cold, making it just right for walking around the Five Great Avenues. 📍 Start from Minyuan Square and take a loop along Machang Road. The small Western-style buildings on both sides each have their own character—some with red brick arched windows, others with towering Roman columns—like a living history book of architecture. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM; the light hits the walls at an angle, so you don't need filters for your photos. 🍜 At noon, turn onto Chengdu Road and find a time-honored restaurant to eat guoba cai with jianbing guozi. It costs about CNY 15 per person, and the aroma of the mung bean flour will wake you right up. In the afternoon, go to the Italian Style Area. The streets there are livelier than the Five Great Avenues. There are open-air cafes near Marco Polo Square where you can sit for an afternoon and watch the world go by.

Flowers fade, and gifts gather dust. What you'll truly remember for years is often you carrying her bag, walking a mountain trail with her, and taking a few thoughtful photos. These 8 destinations aren't all easy vacations, but each journey is worth taking your time to explore together. 01 Zhoukou, Henan The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Zone is in Huaiyang. We recommend entering from Wuchao Gate and walking slowly along the central axis. The ancient cypresses, courtyards, and stone steps have a sense of order; don't rush to check in within 10 minutes. ⏰ It's less crowded when the park opens in the morning, and the side lighting is soft, making group photos look more natural than at noon. Taqing Palace is in Luyi, not right next to Huaiyang; trying to cram both into half a day will just turn your date into a race. 🚄 After arriving at Zhoukou East Station from out of town, it's more relaxing to charter or rent a car for two days. It's also suitable for traveling with elderly family members, but there's a lot of walking in the park, so be sure to choose soft-soled shoes. For meals, look for Hu-la soup, braised cattail, and local soups in downtown Huaiyang. Don't rush to buy the services of guides who approach you near the scenic area; official guides, open areas, and ticket information are subject to the daily announcements. 02 Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia The Ulagai Grassland isn't just a backdrop for a quick photo. You'll hear the wind pressing over the grass waves, and the cattle and sheep in the distance moving very slowly. ⏰ The grass is lush from June to August. Early mornings are great for seeing the mist, and the evening light is most flattering for portraits; shooting in direct daylight often makes people squint. It's safer to use Bayinhushuo Town as a base before heading to areas like Jiuquwan. The distances between attractions are significant, so driving yourself is more convenient than calling a car on the spot. 📍 Signals can be unstable deep in the grassland, so download offline maps in advance and save your accommodation location and return route. The temperature difference between day and night is no joke. Even in summer, bring a windbreaker, sun protection, and mosquito repellent. Don't drive off the road, and definitely don't chase livestock for photos. Sitting quietly together for a while is more romantic than filling a whole day with horseback riding. 03 Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin The Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone is in Dunhua and is larger than it looks in photos. 📍 Taking a taxi from Dunhua Station is more direct. Once inside, confirm the sightseeing bus route first, then follow the path to the Qing Ancestral Hall, Zhengjue Temple, and other open areas to avoid backtracking. If you prefer peace and quiet, choose a weekday morning. If traveling with parents, prioritize the sightseeing bus and pace yourselves on sections with many stairs. ⏰ In autumn, the foliage is colorful, and the light is soft before 9:00 AM. In winter, the ground may be slippery, so don't wear thin-soled shoes just for photos. Back in downtown Dunhua, you can eat rice sausage, cold noodles, and bibimbap. Popular restaurants often have lines at meal times, so eating an early dinner around 4:30 PM is actually more comfortable. Park opening arrangements, sightseeing bus operations, and reservation requirements may change, so check official daily information before you set off. 04 Xuancheng, Anhui How to choose between Chaji Ancient Village and Jixi Longchuan? If you want to see small bridges, old houses, and local life, go to Chaji; if you prefer ancestral halls, wood carvings, and tidy water streets, go to Longchuan. My judgment is straightforward: if it's your first time in Xuancheng, both are worth visiting, but don't schedule them for the same day—the drive will wear out your patience. 📍 In Chaji, walk from the village entrance along the stream to avoid the crowds on the main road; the alleys and stone bridges are more worth seeing. The bluestone paths are shiny after rain but also very slippery. In Longchuan, walk along the water street and take your time looking at the architectural details; don't just take photos at the entrance and leave. ⏰ It's worth staying one night in Chaji to hear the sound of water and doors opening before 7:00 AM. Jixi Longchuan can be combined with a meal in Jixi County to try stinky mandarin fish and Jixi tarts. Driving is the biggest time-saver; if traveling with elderly family members, note that some stone paths in Chaji are uneven, so light luggage is more practical than large suitcases. 05 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Riyue Mountain and the Guide National Geopark offer views of a high-altitude mountain pass and layered geological landforms, respectively. Don't be fooled by the distance on the map; connecting the two is suitable for a road trip, and you must leave a buffer for weather changes. 🚄 You can start from Xining and plan for one to two days; it's not recommended to rush immediately after landing. Riyue Mountain has a high altitude, so walk slowly, don't run or jump, and don't plan for long climbs right after arriving. ⏰ In summer, the morning is usually better for distant views, as the temperature will drop significantly once the wind picks up. Keep jackets, sunglasses, sunscreen, and drinking water in the car. The landforms in Guide are better suited for afternoon side lighting, which makes the colors and textures clearer. Be cautious on some roads on rainy days, and don't walk backward while taking photos near the edges. Choose accommodation in Guide County for easier access to food and supplies; park openings, road conditions, and ticket information are subject to daily announcements. 06 Tai'an, Shandong The easiest trap to fall into when climbing Mount Tai with your wife is overestimating your stamina. For the full experience, start from Hongmen, pass through Zhongtianmen, and head to Nantianmen. If your stamina is average, take a bus directly to the Tianwai Village transfer point and combine it with the cable car—don't let your date turn into a mutual blame game. ⏰ Check the weather and cable car operating hours in advance if you want to see the sunrise. Don't force yourself to stay up all night if it's too cloudy; you can still see the mountain scenery during the day. If climbing at night, bring a headlamp and a thin down jacket or windbreaker, as the wind at the summit is much fiercer than in the city. 📍 Dai Temple is worth visiting before or after the climb; set aside an hour or two to walk slowly. After descending, go to downtown Tai'an to eat Mount Tai tofu and pancake rolls, and replenish your carbs before chatting. During holidays, ticket and cable car lines are long, so be sure to book in advance; non-slip soles are more important than looking good in photos. 07 Baiyin, Gansu The Yellow River Stone Forest is located in Jingtai. The valleys, stone pillars, and yellowish-brown mountains are quite imposing. 📍 It's more convenient to travel from Jingtai County. Public transport is limited, so driving yourself or arranging a reliable vehicle in advance is better. The roads are winding, so those prone to motion sickness should eat something light beforehand. Don't buy all the activity packages when visiting. Check the daily operations for sightseeing buses, walking sections, and other experiences, then choose based on your stamina. ⏰ Morning or evening side lighting can bring out the textures of the rock walls; at noon, it's not only hot, but photos can also easily look flat. The scenic area is large, so water, sun hats, and windbreakers are essential. Do not enter areas near cliffs or closed-off valleys, and pay special attention to temporary controls on rainy days. Stay in Jingtai County at night and have a bowl of lamb noodles or sour braised meat; the prices are usually more reasonable than around the scenic area. 08 Jinzhong, Shanxi Don't be greedy on this route; trying to hit four places in one day will only leave you remembering the parking lots. Staying in Pingyao Ancient City for two nights is best. 📍 On the first day, enter the city from Yingxun Gate, walk along South Street to the area around the City Tower, and climb the city wall or stroll through the alleys in the evening; it's more comfortable to walk around after the lights come on than to be stuck with tour groups during the day. You don't have to force yourself to visit the Qiao Family Compound and Wang Family Compound on the same day. The Qiao Family Compound has a concentrated layout, suitable for those with limited time; the Wang Family Compound is larger with more stairs, so give it half a day if you like architectural details. Leave a separate day for Mianshan in Jiexiu; the attractions are scattered, so check the sightseeing bus routes in advance. 🚄 For high-speed rail, choose Pingyao Ancient City Station, then take a taxi to the outskirts of the ancient city. Dragging suitcases on the stone roads inside the ancient city is noisy and tiring, so ask about drop-off points before booking your hotel. Just eat Pingyao beef, wantuo, and oat noodles; I don't recommend the so-called "must-eat combo meals" on the main street—they are expensive and easy to over-order. Don't wait for a holiday to remember to take her out. The route can be changed, and the weather may not be perfect. But the world you are willing to walk through side-by-side is the answer itself.

1️⃣ Bijie | Guizhou Zhijin Cave and Baili Dujuan are the two trump cards of Bijie, but the way to experience them is completely different. Zhijin Cave is suitable for year-round visits; the cave maintains a constant temperature of around 16°C, so entering in summer feels like turning on natural air conditioning. The admission ticket is a bit pricey, but the scale of the cave halls is stunning. The full route takes about 2 hours and has many steps, so be cautious if you have elderly travelers with knee issues. For Baili Dujuan, aim for April. Visiting in other months just means seeing ordinary hillsides, so don't get your hopes up. 🚄 After arriving at Bijie Station by high-speed rail, you can take the direct scenic shuttle to Zhijin Cave, which saves half the cost compared to chartering a car. If you want to visit both, I suggest doing the cave first, then the flowers, for a more reasonable distribution of energy. For accommodation, choose Qixingguan District; there are many dining and lodging options, and you can stay comfortably and cleanly for CNY 100 per person. 2️⃣ Jiayuguan | Gansu Jiayuguan Pass is the kind of place you have to see to believe. Outside the city walls lies the vast Gobi Desert; when the wind blows, you feel like you've been transported back to ancient times. ⏰ I recommend entering the pass after 3:00 PM. The light hits the gate tower at an angle, so you won't be shooting against the light, and it's less crowded. The combo ticket for the Pass, Overhanging Great Wall, and First Pier of the Great Wall is the best value; buying them separately will cost dozens more. ⚠️ The steps at the Overhanging Great Wall are steep and difficult to climb when it's windy, so if you have children, know your limits. A taxi from the city center to the pass is about CNY 10. Avoid unlicensed taxis. After leaving the pass, there are vendors selling apricot peel tea at the entrance for CNY 5 a cup—it's sweet, sour, and refreshing. Stay in the city center and head to Datang Food Street in the evening for barbecue. Lamb skewers are CNY 3 each, and they go great with a local beer. 3️⃣ Shangrao | Jiangxi Shangrao's attractions are scattered, which can be confusing for first-timers. Follow this order for the smoothest trip: 1 day for Sanqingshan, 1 day for Wuyuan Jiangwan and Huangling, and half a day for Guifeng. Sanqingshan is a workout. Taking the cable car up and down plus walking the loop takes at least 5 hours. Definitely bring a hiking pole; you can buy one at the base for CNY 15. Wuyuan Jiangwan and Huangling have different styles. Jiangwan focuses on ancient architecture and culture, while Huangling's "autumn harvest drying" is the main event—perfect for an autumn visit. ⏰ Huangling is less crowded in the evening, and the sunset hitting the drying racks creates soft, beautiful colors. Guifeng is more niche. It features Danxia landforms and has fewer tourists, making it perfect if you want to avoid crowds. 🚄 There are high-speed trains from Shangrao Station directly to Wuyuan, taking half an hour. I recommend staying in Shangrao city center. There are direct shuttles to both Sanqingshan and Guifeng, which is half the price of staying in the scenic areas. 🍜 You must try Wuyuan steamed rice cakes and tofu stew; you can eat your fill at a roadside shop for CNY 10. 4️⃣ Weinan | Shaanxi Huashan is the most "hardcore" stop among these eight cities. If you aren't very fit, don't push yourself to climb the whole way. The route taking the cable car up West Peak and down North Peak is the least strenuous and covers most of the highlights. Admission plus cable car and shuttle bus costs about CNY 300 per person. It hurts the wallet, but it's worth it. ⚠️ During holidays, you must book one day in advance; you likely won't be able to buy tickets on the day of. ⏰ If you want to see the sunrise, climb at night, but going up during the day to see the sea of clouds is easier. Things are expensive on the mountain—a bottle of water is CNY 10, instant noodles are CNY 20. It's most practical to carry two bottles of water and a few energy bars yourself. Don't rush off after coming down the mountain. There's a place in Huayin city center called Laowan Lamb; the soup is rich and the meat is tender. A bowl will bring you back to life. 🚄 There is a free bus from Huashan North Station to the visitor center. Don't take unlicensed taxis. 5️⃣ Xilingol League | Inner Mongolia Ulagai Grassland is the kind of vastness that "stretches as far as the eye can see." There is no admission fee here; you only spend money on transportation and accommodation. Signal is weak on the grassland, so download offline maps in advance. 📍 Navigate to Ulagai Management Area, then drive north for another half hour to reach the core grassland. ⏰ The grass is greenest in July and August. In September, it starts to turn yellow, but it has a unique, desolate beauty. The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is huge. Wear short sleeves during the day, but you'll need a fleece jacket at night. For accommodation, stay in a yurt for one night just for the experience. The conditions are basic and showering isn't convenient, but the starry sky is truly stunning. 🍜 Boiled mutton and milk tea are standard. A meal at a herdsman's home costs about CNY 60 per person, which is cheaper than in the scenic area. 🚄 After arriving in Xilinhot, I recommend renting a car. You can't get around the grassland without one. 6️⃣ Hechi | Guangxi Hechi's Donglan landscape, Jiudun Skylight, Xiangbei Shangri-La, and Sanli Yangdu are best visited in one route. Donglan landscape features karst peaks and the Hongshui River. There's no admission fee, and you can see it from the roadside. Jiudun Skylight is a paradise for diving enthusiasts. The water is so clear you can see over 10 meters down, but even if you don't dive, seeing it from the shore is stunning enough. Xiangbei Shangri-La is more man-made, suitable for a leisurely stroll with elderly family members or children. The bamboo raft rafting at Sanli Yangdu is the highlight. ⏰ The light is best after 4:00 PM, and the water surface looks like a mirror. ⚠️ Attractions here are scattered and public transport is limited. Driving yourself is most convenient; otherwise, charter a car for about CNY 300 a day. Stay in Jinchengjiang District; you can find a nice place for CNY 150 per person. 7️⃣ Shiyan | Hubei Wudang Mountain—the name itself carries an ethereal vibe. Wudang Mountain admission plus sightseeing bus and cable car costs about CNY 400 per person. It's the most expensive stop among the eight, but it's definitely worth it. ⏰ If you want to see the sunrise, stay on the mountain and get up at 4:30 AM the next day to head to the Golden Summit, but accommodation on the mountain is expensive and basic. If you're just doing a day trip, I suggest entering the mountain at 7:00 AM, taking the cable car to the Golden Summit, then walking down to see Zixiao Palace and Nanyan Palace. You can finish by 5:00 PM. ⚠️ There are many steps on the mountain; if you have bad knees, definitely take the cable car. Yuxu Palace at the base of the mountain is free, less crowded, and quiet—worth a quick look on your way. 🍜 Don't miss Shiyan's Yunyang Sanhe Soup and Fangxian small shiitake mushrooms. You can eat your fill in the city center for CNY 50 per person. 8️⃣ Panjin | Liaoning Red Beach Scenic Corridor is the kind of place where "photos don't capture even a tenth of its beauty." The seepweed is reddest from September to October, just in time for the National Day holiday. The scenic area is very long; I suggest taking the sightseeing bus, as it takes 3–4 hours to walk. ⚠️ It's very windy, so hold onto your hat or it will blow away. ⏰ The light is softest at 3:00–4:00 PM. The red mudflats paired with the reed marshes create incredibly intense colors. Food in the scenic area is expensive and mediocre, so I suggest bringing your own snacks. 🚄 A taxi from Panjin Station is about CNY 40, or you can take a bus to Dawa District and transfer. After seeing the Red Beach, head back to the city for Panjin river crabs. September is when they are at their fattest—the female crabs are full of roe. They cost about CNY 20 each and go perfectly with Panjin rice. Amazing. Eight cities, each with its own personality. Bijie for caves, Jiayuguan for walls, Shangrao for mountains, Weinan for thrills, Xilingol for grasslands, Hechi for water, Shiyan for peaks, and Panjin for red beaches. A limited budget doesn't mean a compromised experience; the key is choosing the right way to play. Which one do you want to visit most? Let's chat in the comments.

Avoid the crowds! These 8 underrated cities hide stunning scenery. If you've been to 3, you're a pro. 01 Xilingol League | Inner Mongolia You might not recognize the name Wulagai Grassland, but the scenery definitely rivals Hulunbuir. 📍 Drive half an hour from Bayinhushuo Town to dive into the heart of the grasslands. There are no tour buses here, just the wind carrying the scent of grass against your face. ⏰ Don't go at noon. The sun is too harsh and the grass wilts. 5:00–6:00 PM is the right time to go. The light hits at an angle, turning the entire grassland a golden green—every shot is screensaver-worthy. I lay there for half an hour, hearing nothing but the wind and my own breathing. It was so comfortable I didn't want to get up. ⚠️ Cell signal on the grasslands is spotty, so download offline maps in advance. For accommodation, just choose a yurt homestay in town. Don't trust the "luxury yurts" at the scenic area entrance; they cost double and aren't necessarily clean. 02 Huanggang | Hubei Huanggang is definitely an underrated treasure in Hubei. Luotian Tiantangzhai and Macheng Guifeng Mountain have completely different styles. I recommend visiting both, but the order is important. Climb Tiantangzhai first. ⏰ Enter the mountain at 7:00 AM before the clouds and mist have cleared; the boardwalks feel like they're suspended in the clouds. When the mountain breeze blows, the chill creeps up from your feet—it's much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. If you're not feeling up to the hike, take the cable car up and just walk the glass skywalk section for a thrill. Visit Guifeng Mountain the next day. Don't rush to see the azaleas; late April to early May is the blooming season. Visiting at other times, the giant rocks on the summit are actually more impressive. Standing on the "turtle back" looking down, the whole of Macheng is at your feet. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, go to the city for a bowl of diaoguo soup—cured meat stewed with dried bamboo shoots—it's salty, savory, and delicious. 03 Hechi | Guangxi Guilin only accounts for a small part of Guangxi's beauty; the rest is hidden in Hechi. Donglan landscapes, Jiudun Tianchuang, Xiangbei Shangri-La, and Sanli Yangdu—string these four places together for a three-day trip. You must visit Jiudun Tianchuang. The water is an unreal shade of blue, like a giant piece of glass embedded in the fields. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM when the sunlight hits the bottom of the water just right, allowing you to see the white sand 5 or 6 meters down. If you can swim, jump in for a few laps; the cool water will wake you up instantly. Sanli Yangdu is better in the afternoon. Take a bamboo raft down the Hongshui River, surrounded by karst peaks on both banks—it's so quiet you'll feel like the world has forgotten you. ⚠️ The raft operator will try to convince you to pay extra to "see the caves deep inside." Don't go; it's just a few colored lights shining on stalactites. It's not worth it. 04 Jingdezhen | Jiangxi Jingdezhen isn't just about porcelain, but the porcelain alone is enough to keep you busy for three days. Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue is best visited at night. It's a district converted from an old porcelain factory, with red brick walls and lighting that makes you feel like you're in a movie. 📍 You can try your hand at pottery throwing at the shops inside for CNY 50 a session. Having it fired and shipped home is much more interesting than buying souvenirs. During the day, visit the Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Museum. Don't just look at the finished products; focus on watching the master craftsmen at work. ⏰ There's a live pottery throwing demonstration at 2:00 PM. Their speed is like magic—that's the soul of Jingdezhen. 🍜 After exploring, go to Fuzhou Nong for a bowl of cold noodles—spicy enough to make you slurp—paired with alkaline rice cakes, a staple breakfast for locals. ⚠️ Don't fall for the "low-price one-day tours" offered by solicitors at the entrance. They'll just take you to shops selling porcelain. You have to find the real kilns and studios yourself. 05 Qinhuangdao | Hebei Qinhuangdao isn't just Beidaihe, but you really need to pick the right time to visit Beidaihe. Don't go in July or August; the beaches are packed like sardines, and the seawater feels like foot-washing water. ⏰ Mid-to-late September is the golden period. Most tourists have left, the sea breeze has cooled down, and the sand feels warm under your feet. For sunrise in Beidaihe, Pigeon Nest Park is the best spot. Arrive at 4:30 AM, grab a spot by the railing, and wait for the sun to jump out from the horizon—that moment is worth the price of admission. Visit Shanhaiguan in the afternoon; the wind on the city walls is strong and refreshing. Standing under the "First Pass Under Heaven" plaque and looking into the distance, you can see the Great Wall plunging into the sea. Photos can't capture that sense of vastness. ⚠️ Many "tour guides" at the entrance of Shanhaiguan will try to solicit you, claiming they can take you through a "secret passage." In reality, they just take you to the back of the wall to see a corner. Don't waste your money. 06 Linyi | Shandong Linyi's Firefly Water Cave and Underground Grand Canyon are the kind of places that will make you go "wow" once you enter. You have to take a boat into the water cave, where the ceiling is covered in fireflies, like an inverted galaxy. ⚠️ Flash photography is prohibited inside the cave. If you turn on the flash, the fireflies stop glowing. The person in front of me took one shot, and the whole light display dimmed instantly—everyone on the boat glared at them. The Underground Grand Canyon is better for hiking. The stalactites have strange shapes; one looks like an upside-down lotus, and another like a giant Buddha's hand. ⏰ Enter the cave after 3:00 PM when it's less crowded. The echoes are loud, and your footsteps sound especially sharp. Yimeng Mountain is nearby; if you have the energy, you can hike it too. From the summit, you can see the entire plain spread out, and the wind is strong enough to blow your hat off. 🍜 After coming down, find a small restaurant and have a bowl of Linyi San soup—beef slices with hot soup, the peppery flavor hits your nose. One bowl and you'll feel revitalized. 07 Longnan | Gansu Longnan is the "south" of Gansu, with green mountains and clear water, completely overturning your imagination of the Great Northwest. Wenxian Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) is hidden deep in the mountains and forests, with lake water as green as jade, surrounded by primeval forests. ⏰ Arrive before 8:00 AM when there's a thin mist over the lake, like a fairyland. Walking around the lake takes about two hours; the path is easy, suitable for both the elderly and children. Guan'egou is a bit wilder, with waterfalls one after another in the canyon, the sound of water buzzing in your ears. 📍 When you reach the San Die Waterfall, the water mist hits your face, cool and refreshing—ten times better than an air-conditioned room. ⚠️ The boardwalks in the canyon are slippery, so don't wear canvas shoes. I saw someone slip and fall on their butt with my own eyes. 🍜 You must try Longnan's potato jiaotuan—potatoes mashed into a mochi-like consistency and topped with pickled vegetable juice. It's soft, chewy, and completely different from how potatoes are prepared elsewhere. 08 Yuncheng | Shanxi Yuncheng Salt Lake is known as "China's Dead Sea," but you don't need to fly to the Middle East to experience it. The salt content of the lake water is extremely high, so you can actually float on it. Even if you can't swim, you can float and read a book—the feeling of weightlessness is amazing. ⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM is the best time. The sun shines at an angle, and the lake surface glows with a pink light, like it's been sprinkled with rose salt. 📍 You can take a black mud bath in the scenic area. Cover your whole body in mud, let it dry, and then wash it off—your skin will be as smooth as a peeled egg. ⚠️ Don't get the salt water in your eyes; it will make you tear up instantly from the pain. 🍜 After you're done, go to downtown Yuncheng for a bowl of Xiezhou lamb paomo—lamb stewed until tender, with a rich, thick broth, served with pickled garlic. In one word: delicious. These eight cities are uncrowded, beautiful, and affordable. If you have limited time, I highly recommend Xilingol League and Hechi; these two are the most stunning. Let's chat in the comments—how many have you been to?

September–October relaxation guide: These 8 places have fewer crowds and beautiful scenery—you'll fall in love once you visit 01 Shaoyang | Hunan While others are crowded onto popular peaks looking at seas of people, I'm hiding away in the Danxia landforms of Langshan Mountain. Climb Camel Peak in the morning; the steps aren't steep, and you can reach the top in 2 hours at a leisurely pace. ⏰ After 3:00 PM, the light hits at an angle, turning the red rocks of Chili Peak and Camel Peak a warm orange—much better to look at than at noon. It's windy at the summit, so bring a light jacket. There are farmhouses at the foot of the mountain; cured meat stir-fried with dried green beans served with rice costs just over 30 per person and will fill you up. ⚠️ The scenic shuttle bus stops running at 5:30 PM, so don't stay out too late. Stay at a homestay in Langshan Town; you'll see mountain silhouettes as soon as you open the window, and at night, it's so quiet you can only hear the insects. Perfect for those who don't want to rush, just want to sleep in and stroll around slowly. 02 Guyuan | Ningxia Xumishan Grottoes are less popular than I imagined, with few tourists, which actually makes for a more comfortable visit. The grottoes are embedded in the red sandstone mountain; walking up the boardwalk layer by layer, you can see the styles of statues from different dynasties. ⚠️ Some caves are dark, so bring a flashlight to see more clearly. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM when the sunlight hits the faces of the Buddha statues at an angle, making for layered photos. There's a museum at the foot of the mountain; check out the exhibits first to better understand what you're seeing. 🍜 For lunch, head to downtown Guyuan for a bowl of Shengcuan noodles—the broth is clear, the meat is tender, and adding some chili oil is very satisfying. This place isn't for those who love a bustling nightlife; it's for you if you want to quietly observe traces of history. 03 Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan Combining Yuanyang Rice Terraces and Jianshui Ancient Town works perfectly. The terraces are all about open space and light; the Duoyishu Viewing Platform in the early morning is best for watching clouds and mist rise from the valley, with the mushroom-shaped houses of the Hani villages appearing and disappearing in the morning fog. ⚠️ Visit Bada Terraces after 4:30 PM; the colors are most intense in the half-hour before sunset. Jianshui Ancient Town is much more laid-back. The tofu stalls under Chaoyang Tower are full of local life; 🍜 grilled tofu with dipping sauce costs 1 yuan each, and you can sit on a small stool and eat for an entire afternoon. The ticket for Zhu Family Garden is a bit pricey; I think walking through the alleys of the ancient town is more worthwhile. Staying in a historic homestay in the ancient town, it's so quiet at night you wouldn't think you're in a tourist spot. This trip is suitable for those who want to change their pace and aren't in a rush to check off sights. 04 Taizhou | Zhejiang Which one to choose, Tiantai Mountain or Shenxianju? My answer: both, but the order matters. Climb Shenxianju first—enter through the south gate and exit through the north. Take the cable car up and walk the suspended boardwalk; when it's shrouded in mist, it feels like walking in a fairyland. ⏰ The fewest people are on the mountain after 2:00 PM, and the light is softer. ⚠️ There are few supply points at the summit, so bring your own water and snacks. Save the second day for Tiantai Mountain. Guoqing Temple has no admission fee, and the Sui Pagoda and thousand-year-old camphor trees stand quietly, making it much more comfortable than commercialized temples. The Taizhou Prefecture City Cultural Tourism Area is best visited in the evening; climb a section of the ancient city wall and watch the Ling River bend at your feet. 🍜 At night, go to Ziyang Street to eat egg white sheep tails and mai xia—both sweet and savory options are available, and you can eat until you're stuffed for about 50 per person. Suitable for those with average stamina who want to see a combination of landscapes and ancient towns. 05 Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture | Xinjiang I don't need to brag about the beauty of Sayram Lake, but there's one detail to note when visiting in September–October: the wind by the lake is strong enough to blow your hat off, so ⚠️ remember to bring a windbreaker or a thick jacket. The road around the lake is over 90 kilometers long, and self-driving with stops along the way is the most comfortable way to see it. 📍 The grasslands on the north shore have already turned yellow, which, paired with the deep blue lake water, actually has more depth than in summer. ⏰ The light is softest 2 hours before sunset, and the lake surface looks like crushed silver. Anjihai Grand Canyon is a bit far from Sayram Lake, but it's worth the detour; standing on the edge of the canyon looking at the red layered folds, that kind of shock can't be captured in photos. The landscapes of Wenquan County are perfect for soaking in a hot spring after you're tired to relax your muscles and bones. This route is suitable for self-driving, driving 3 or 4 hours a day, and spending the rest of the time just zoning out and taking photos. 06 Chengdu | Sichuan There are many ways to relax in Chengdu, and I've picked the most comfortable one for you. Go to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning; catch the first group to enter the park to see the pandas eating and rolling around in their lively state. ⏰ After 9:30 AM, they start taking their morning naps. At noon, take the subway and then the high-speed train to Mount Qingcheng–Dujiangyan. The Taoist temples on the front mountain are quiet and secluded, while the back mountain has babbling streams; just choose the front mountain, and you can finish walking it in half a day. The Yuzui water diversion project in the Dujiangyan Scenic Area is worth a slow look; no need to rush. Save the second day for Anren Ancient Town; it has far fewer people than Kuanzhai Alley, and you can spend half a day exploring the Jianchuan Museum Cluster, which has substantial content. 🍜 In the evening, head back to downtown Chengdu for a hot pot meal—get the nine-grid pot. This trip is suitable for leisure travelers who want to see pandas without too much hassle. 07 Pingxiang | Jiangxi The meadows of Wugong Mountain are at their best from late September to mid-October, with a golden expanse stretching to the horizon. The combination of cable car and hiking is the least strenuous: take the Zhong'an cable car up, and it takes about 1 hour to walk to the Golden Summit. The meadows along the way have an open view, and when the wind blows, they look like golden waves. ⏰ After 4:00 PM, most tourists have dispersed, and the entire ridge becomes quiet. Sitting on the grass watching the cloud shadows slide over from the other side of the mountain is incredibly healing. ⚠️ The temperature at the summit drops below 10°C at night; if you rent a tent, remember to ask for a thickened sleeping bag, or just book a starry sky tent room. 🍜 In downtown Pingxiang at the foot of the mountain, eat Lianhua blood duck—spicy and fragrant, you can finish 2 bowls of rice with it. Suitable for light hiking enthusiasts who want to experience high-mountain meadows without being too exhausted. 08 Xilin Gol League | Inner Mongolia The autumn colors of the Ulagai Grassland are even more intoxicating than in summer. The grass has turned yellow, the sky is bluer, and the clouds are so low you feel like you could reach out and grab a handful. Driving along the Ulagai River, you'll see herdsmen slowly wandering with their cattle by the river; time seems to slow down by half a beat here. ⏰ Around 5:00 PM, the setting sun dyes the entire grassland a honey color, and the sunset spot by Ulagai Lake is excellent. ⚠️ Signal on the grassland is unstable, so download offline maps in advance. Stay at a homestay in Bayinhushuo Town at night; the owner will serve hand-grabbed meat and milk tea, and you can eat a hearty meal for 70–80 per person. 🍜 Wake up early the next day for a bowl of pot tea with milk skin, and set off with full energy. Suitable for those who want to completely escape the noise of the city and drive freely between heaven and earth. These 8 places in September–October have no crowded, popular tourist attractions. They are quietly waiting in their own corners for you to stop and take a break. Which one have you visited recently? Or if you have a hidden relaxation spot, share it in the comments section.

8 cities worth saving up for—visiting 3 is already a win 01 Lhasa | Tibet 📍 Potala Palace: We recommend booking a morning slot; the light hits from the east, making the white walls and red palace stand out most clearly. Don't rush up the stairs; walk slowly, and if you get out of breath, stop and watch the pilgrims. ⏰ Head to Jokhang Temple Square around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. The sun makes you feel lazy, and sitting in the corner watching people prostrate themselves creates a sense of peace that will stay with you. Namtso is a full-day round trip from the city. Hiring a car costs about 300 per person. The road conditions aren't bad, but the altitude is high, so have oxygen bottles ready. It's windy by the lake, so bring a hat with a chin strap. ⚠️ Don't ride horses for photos by the lake; it's easy to get into disputes if you can't agree on the price. Stay near Barkhor Street so you can join the flow of pilgrims when you go out at night. Order a pot of sweet tea at a teahouse and sit for the afternoon—it's affordable. Don't be greedy on your first visit; Lhasa is for taking it slow, not rushing. 02 Garzê | Sichuan Xinduqiao isn't a scenic spot; it's a road. In October, the poplar forests turn bright yellow—anywhere you pull over is photo-worthy. For Mugecuo, take the scenic bus to the top and walk down the boardwalk; the lake is an impossibly blue color. Daocheng Yading is a physical challenge. The long hiking trail takes 6–7 hours round trip. The horse-riding section is bumpy enough to make your backside ache, so walk if you can. ⚠️ Don't rush to Milk Lake after 2:00 PM; it's easy to miss the last bus on the way down. For Hailuogou glaciers, choose the morning; once the fog rolls in, everything turns white. Stay in Moxi Town, soak in a hot spring at night, and head into the valley the next day. 🚄 These spots are far apart, so driving yourself offers the most freedom. However, check road conditions before crossing mountains in winter, and don't force it on icy roads. 03 Pingliang | Gansu The most underrated part of Kongtong Mountain is its Taoist architectural complex. The temples embedded in the cliffs are more precarious than many popular famous mountains. On the section from the Middle Terrace up to the Heavenly Ladder, the stairs are so narrow you have to walk sideways—if you're afraid of heights, take a detour. ⏰ Arrive at the mountain gate before 8:00 AM to avoid crowds and hear the birds and the wind through the pine forest. The cable car only goes halfway; you'll have to walk the rest, so wearing non-slip shoes is more important than anything else. There's an old shop at the foot of the mountain that makes he-le noodles; they're buckwheat noodles with a rich broth, and a bowl costs less than 10. ⚠️ If someone at the scenic area entrance tries to get you into an unlicensed car claiming they can take you straight up the mountain, don't believe them. The official bus only costs a few yuan. 04 Yantai | Shandong Penglai Pavilion is famous, but don't just focus on the pavilion itself. Walk east along the coast; the boardwalk at Tianheng Mountain is the real highlight, with reefs under your feet, seagulls overhead, and cool sea spray. You need to take a boat to Changdao; the ticket is 45, and the sea breeze is strong enough to blow your hat off. Stay at a fisherfolk guesthouse on the island, which includes 3 meals. The seafood is caught that day, and the mackerel dumplings are so full they burst with juice when you take a bite. Go between September and October when the sea urchins are plump. Longkou Nanshan is great for taking elders; the paths are flat, the landscaping is nice, and the Great Buddha is spectacular. ⚠️ In the Penglai Pavilion scenic area, ignore anyone offering "free photos with a free keychain"—they'll just try to make you pay for big prints at the end. Just wave them off and keep walking. 05 Xilin Gol | Inner Mongolia Ulagai Grassland is that endless green. In June and July, the grass is at its deepest and can reach your knees. Driving on the grassland highway, you're surrounded by cattle and sheep, with herdsmen occasionally riding past—it's like a movie scene. Stay in a yurt for a night; the starry sky at night is breathtaking, and the Milky Way is clearly visible. But ⚠️ yurt soundproofing is basically non-existent; you'll hear your neighbor snoring clearly, so bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. You can ride horses during the day for 80 per lap; the herdsmen will lead you, so it's safe. 🍜 You must try the hand-grabbed mutton. Boiled in plain water and dipped in chive flower sauce, it has no gamey taste at all. 🚄 This place is best for a road trip; public transport is basically non-existent, so don't count on taxis. 06 Taizhou | Zhejiang Tiantai Mountain has an ethereal quality. The Shiliang Waterfall is hidden in the valley, with roaring water and mist hitting your face. Guoqing Temple has no admission fee, the Sui Dynasty pagoda has stood for a thousand years, and the monks in the temple grow their own vegetables. The dried tofu sold at the entrance is especially fragrant. The Taizhou Prefecture City Cultural Tourism Zone is in Linhai. The ancient city wall is built along the ridge, and you can see the whole old city from the top. There's a shop on Ziyang Street that sells "egg white sheep tail"—it's deep-fried, crispy on the outside, and filled with sweet bean paste, sweet but not cloying. The boardwalk at Shenxianju is built on a cliff, and there's a section made of transparent glass with an abyss beneath your feet. If you're afraid of heights, walk along the edge and don't look down. ⏰ The light is best around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM when the mountains are bathed in gold—no filters needed for photos. Stay in the Linhai ancient city; go out at night for a bowl of mai xia (wheat shrimp noodles)—the broth is so fresh it'll make your eyebrows dance. 07 Nanyang | Henan Xixia Funiu Mountain Laojieling is a great place to escape the heat. It's 7–8 degrees cooler than the city in summer, and you'll still need a quilt to sleep at night. The Dinosaur Fossil Park is right next door, so you can visit both if you have kids—the dinosaur egg fossil cluster is truly stunning. ⏰ For the sea of clouds at Laojieling, get there early. Go up as soon as the cable car opens at 6:30 AM; the clouds rolling over the mountaintop make you feel like you're standing in the sky. Once the sun comes out and the fog clears, it's just ordinary. Stay a night at a farmhouse at the foot of the mountain; the owner grows their own vegetables, and the stewed chicken with mushrooms is so delicious you'll eat an extra 2 bowls of rice. ⚠️ Don't buy the "wild ganoderma" sold in the scenic area; it's almost all greenhouse-grown, and the price is marked up several times over. 08 Chuxiong | Yunnan Yuanmou Earth Forest is the kind of place that will make you stop in your tracks at first sight. The earth pillars stand like a forest, with colors transitioning from earthy yellow to dark red. At sunset, the whole forest looks like it's on fire. Wumao Earth Forest is more spectacular than Langbapu Earth Forest, but the road is harder to walk on. The sandy ground makes it easy to get your shoes stuck, so wear high-top shoes. ⏰ Go in after 4:00 PM; the light hits at an angle, making the textures look very three-dimensional. 2 hours is enough time for photos. The Yi Ancient Town is lively at night. The bonfire party is free; join the locals in the "left-foot dance"—it doesn't matter if you don't know how, just hold onto the clothes of the person in front of you. 🍜 Grilled milk fans and tuotuo meat are worth a try. The milk fans dipped in honey offer a unique mix of sweet and salty. Stay in the ancient town so you can fall asleep to the sound of Yi folk songs, then head to the Earth Forest early the next morning—it's on the way and saves the hassle. Every one of these 8 cities is worth a special trip. Lhasa and Garzê are perfect for when you've saved up enough vacation time to take it slow; Yantai and Taizhou are great for short weekend trips; and Xilin Gol and Chuxiong are best visited in the right season. How many have you been to? Let's chat in the comments—which one excites you the most?

Departing from Beijing✨ Don't want to travel far for the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day? Here is a curated collection of 2–3 day short trips you can copy directly! Experience volcanoes, grasslands, Gobi deserts, deserts, islands, and mountains all in one go. The autumn vibes are off the charts, perfect for curing any city blues👇 No rushing, no tourist traps, and incredibly photogenic—save this now!💥 🌋 Inner Mongolia West Route | Volcanoes, Gobi, and Wild Autumn Scenery 📍Includes: Volcanic grasslands, Xilin Gol, Kubuqi Desert, Yinshan Mountains 🍂Autumn Highlights: The summer heat has faded, and the autumn breeze has turned the grasslands golden. The Gobi is vast and open, the volcanic clusters have a raw, sophisticated feel, the desert sunsets are legendary, and the interplay of light and shadow day and night is incredible! 💡Key Experiences: ✅ Explore the volcanic geological clusters, hike to the crater for a panoramic view of the autumn wilderness, and immerse yourself in the texture of the earth—it's stunning! ✅ Stroll through the autumn grasslands of Xilin Gol, where the golden sea of grass stretches endlessly. Every photo looks like a healing wilderness blockbuster, maximum healing power✨ ✅ Hike and sandboard in the Kubuqi Desert, catch an orange desert sunset in the evening, and gaze at the starry sky at night—it's incredibly romantic🌄 ✅ Wander along the Yinshan Mountains, take in the vast landscape, and discover niche wilderness and Gobi scenery with fewer crowds and beautiful views! 🍂 Keshiketeng East Route | Oil Painting Grasslands and the Ultimate Road Trip 📍Includes: Ulan Butong, Keshiketeng Banner, Dada Line 🍂Autumn Highlights: Keshiketeng during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day is at its peak beauty for the whole year! The birch forests are gilded, the grasslands turn from green to gold, and the forests, grasslands, and roads weave together like an oil painting. It's arguably the most beautiful autumn road trip route near Beijing—simply legendary! 💡Key Experiences: ✅ In-depth tour of Ulan Butong: The morning mist at Jiangjun Paozi, the colorful autumn forests of Wucai Mountain, and the tranquil waters of Princess Lake. The autumn color palette is fully saturated—no filters needed for your photos! ✅ Drive along the Dada Line, the most beautiful grassland highway, passing through herds of cattle and sheep, meadows, and birch forests. Stop and take photos as you go—no tickets required, great value! ✅ Wander through Huamugou and the National No. 1 Scenic Avenue to avoid the crowds, immerse yourself in niche autumn scenery, and enjoy a perfect experience~ ✅ Watch the sunset over the grasslands in the evening and stay in a grassland homestay at night to fully experience the autumn evening breeze—so healing🌅 🏝️ Niche Islands | Quiet Healing and Escaping the Crowds 📍Includes: Daheishan Island 🍂Autumn Highlights: A fantastic choice for the National Day holiday! Escape the crowds of popular islands. The autumn sea breeze is gentle, the water is clear and blue, and there are few tourists. It's full of raw, natural vibes—the top choice for a relaxing vacation! 💡Key Experiences: ✅ Stroll along the pristine coastline, watch the blue sea and sky reflect the clear autumn air, and let all your fatigue melt away—your mood will instantly improve🌊 ✅ Visit the island's cliffside trails and rocky beaches to take cool, atmospheric island photos that will stand out on social media! ✅ Eat fresh, affordable seafood and take a slow walk through the island villages. No rushing, just pure relaxation~ ⛰️ Shanxi Mountains | Quiet Autumn Charm and Hidden Landscapes 📍Includes: Mount Luye, short Shanxi trips 🍂Autumn Highlights: Shanxi is full of autumn mountain vibes! The forests are painted in layers of color, with green and gold intertwined. The mountain breeze is cool and pleasant. Far from the hustle and bustle, it's quiet, serene, and truly a paradise on earth! 💡Key Experiences: ✅ A light hike on Mount Luye, walking through the autumn forest, climbing high to look out over the layered autumn colors of the mountains—refreshing for both body and mind~ ✅ Visit the mountain meadows and natural oxygen bars to immerse yourself in the autumn atmosphere—a perfect lung-cleansing trip! ✅ Discover niche cultural landscapes in the Shanxi mountains. It's off the beaten path, not commercialized, and every photo is a masterpiece~ Note: Some images are from the internet; please contact us for removal if there is any infringement.

01 Anyang | Henan Autumn in Taihang Grand Canyon begins with that persimmon tree halfway up the mountain. The leaves haven't turned fully red yet, but the branches are already heavy with golden fruit that sways in the breeze. As you walk up the Taohuagu (Peach Blossom Valley) boardwalk, the stream murmurs beside you, and the air smells of damp vegetation. ⏰ The light is best from 9:00 AM–11:00 AM, when the water surface glitters like crushed gold—no filters needed for your photos. Keep 2 things in mind about the scenic area: Taohuagu is shady and cool, perfect for a leisurely stroll; the Taihang Sky Road is for sightseeing buses and has many curves, so bring motion sickness medicine if you need it. If you have average stamina, walking through Taohuagu and then taking the bus to see the Sky Road is enough—don't push yourself to do the whole thing. ⚠️ Entering the mountain after 3:00 PM on weekends often leads to traffic jams, so arrive as early as you can. Yinxu and Taihang Grand Canyon are in different directions, so don't try to visit both on the same day. 02 Weifang | Shandong Qingzhou Ancient City isn't some fake tourist trap; it's a real, lived-in old town. Go at 7:00 AM before the streets fully wake up. Stalls selling tofu pudding are already set up, pouring hot, savory sauce over tender white tofu, served with a freshly fried dough stick. 🍜 This breakfast costs just over 10 yuan and is more satisfying than any restaurant in the scenic area. The most worth-visiting spots in the ancient city are Ouyuan Garden and Zhaode Street. Ouyuan isn't large, but the rockeries date back to the Ming Dynasty and take only 30 mins to explore; the old gate towers along Zhaode Street each have their own character, with some still displaying faded spring couplets. ⚠️ Tour groups start arriving after 11:00 AM, making the main street crowded. Go early if you want to take photos without people in them. In the afternoon, you can head over to Fangongting Park; it's free and not too crowded. 03 Linfen | Shanxi You can look at photos of Hukou Waterfall a hundred times, but standing in front of it will still leave you stunned. The Yellow River's water volume isn't at its peak in September, but the roar rising from beneath your feet will leave you speechless. ⏰ I recommend arriving in the morning. With the sun shining from the east, rainbows appear over the waterfall, and you can see them several times throughout the morning. Don't rush off after seeing the waterfall; head south to Mount Yunqiu. Autumn here is colorful, with smoke trees and maple trees mixing together in layers of red, yellow, and green. After taking the cable car up, walk across the glass bridge—it might make the faint-hearted weak in the knees, but the view is worth it. There are several ancient villages in the mountains that preserve stone cave dwellings. You'll see elderly villagers drying corn, and if they see you passing by, they might greet you with, "It's noon, have you eaten yet?" The Hongdong Dahuaishu (Great Locust Tree) is better suited for those interested in tracing their roots. ⚠️ You can negotiate the guide fee at the Dahuaishu scenic area, so don't just pay the full price as soon as you enter. 04 Quanzhou | Fujian Quanzhou is a city best explored on foot. I started from the West Street Clock Tower and wandered into Jiuguanyi Alley, where the walls are made of mottled oyster shells and the ground is paved with polished bluestone. I arrived at Kaiyuan Temple in the afternoon. The silhouettes of the East and West Pagodas fell onto the grass, pigeons fluttered by, and time suddenly slowed down. Kaiyuan Temple doesn't require an admission ticket, but you have to buy a separate ticket to climb the pagodas. They were under maintenance the day I went, so I couldn't go up—a bit of a pity. ⚠️ If you want to climb the pagodas, check their status in advance so you don't make a wasted trip like I did. A short walk away is the West Street Tourist Center. The third-floor rooftop offers a great view of both pagodas in one frame. The light is softest at 4:00 PM, but spots are competitive, so get there early. Chongwu Ancient City is in Hui'an, a bit far from the city center. The ancient city wall is built along the coast, with stone walls on one side and a beach on the other. At high tide in the evening, the waves crash against the base of the wall. 05 Shangrao | Jiangxi September in Mount Sanqing is a game of hide-and-seek between the fog and the mountains. It was clear and sunny when I took the cable car up, but by the time I reached the Giant Python Emerging from the Mountain viewing platform, the fog had rolled in, making the mountains appear and disappear like an unfinished ink wash painting. You have to be patient—wait for the wind to blow, the fog to clear, and then close your eyes for 5 seconds—that moment is worth more than any viewing platform. ⏰ I recommend staying on the mountain so you can wake up early the next day to watch the sunrise. There's a platform near the Rishang Villa with an excellent view. After watching the sunrise, head straight to the West Coast boardwalk. It's less crowded, the clouds and mist haven't fully lifted yet, and the glass boardwalk hangs over a bottomless abyss—it's nerve-wracking but exhilarating. Huangling and Jiangwan are both in Wuyuan, but they have completely different vibes. Huangling is famous for "shaiqiu" (autumn harvest drying). By September, chili peppers and corn already cover the rooftops in layers of red, yellow, and green. Jiangwan is quieter, and the wood carvings in the old houses are so intricate they'll take your breath away. 06 Kashgar Prefecture | Xinjiang The most charming thing about Kashgar Ancient City is its unpredictability. You might turn into any alley and stumble upon a baker sticking naan bread to the oven wall, hear Uyghur children shouting while playing soccer, or smell the aroma of baked buns mixed with pomegranate juice. In September, Kashgar is cool in the morning and evening but sunny at noon, so wearing a jacket over a short-sleeved shirt is perfect. The Pamir Plateau is a different story. It's about a 4-hour drive from downtown Kashgar, and as the altitude rises, the scenery changes from earthy yellow to snowy white. The blue of Baisha Lake is unreal, as if someone poured paint into it. Mount Muztagh is right by the roadside, with its snow line clearly visible. ⚠️ Altitude sickness is no joke. Don't run or jump, bring oxygen canisters, and if you're staying in Taxkorgan, it will be cold at night, so a down jacket is a must. 07 Shenyang | Liaoning Autumn in Beiling Park is painted yellow by the pine trees. Go in late September, and the ground is covered in a thick carpet of pine needles that crunch when you step on them. The Zhaoling Tomb of the Qing Dynasty is right in the park, and its red walls and yellow tiles look incredibly photogenic against the blue sky. ⏰ The light is softest after 3:00 PM, which is perfect for portraits. Plus, there are many locals strolling around the park, giving it a lively, authentic atmosphere. Shenyang Expo Park is better suited for those with kids or plant lovers. The park is huge and takes most of the day to walk around, so renting an electric cart will save you some energy. ⚠️ It's crowded on weekends, so I recommend going on a weekday. Parking is also tight, so arrive early to secure a spot. There's a Lily Tower in the park that you can climb for a bird's-eye view of the entire grounds. The chrysanthemum exhibition in September is perfectly timed, with various colors creating a sea of flowers that older visitors will love. The Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda is in Beita Park; the pagoda structure dates back to the Liao Dynasty and is full of historical character. 08 Xilin Gol League | Inner Mongolia Autumn in the Ulagai Grassland is a golden sea. Starting in mid-September, the grass turns from green to yellow, and when the wind blows, the entire grassland rolls like waves. Driving along the grassland highway with this color on both sides, playing some music in the car—that sense of freedom is something you can't find in the city. There are many places on the grassland with no signal, so download offline maps for navigation in advance. ⏰ Sunrise and sunset are the best times. The low light makes the grass color deeper, making your photos look like oil paintings. The UV rays are strong during the day, so don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—the sun on the grassland is much harsher than in the city. For accommodation, choose the Ulagai Management Area. A 1-night experience in a yurt is enough, as the facilities are limited. ⚠️ There's a large temperature difference at night, and it can drop to zero degrees in October, so bring a thick jacket. Dining on the grassland is mainly Mongolian cuisine, like hand-grabbed mutton with milk tea. It costs about CNY 50–60 per person, and the portions of meat are large, so don't order too much.

01 Changde | Hunan In September in Changde, the heat has mostly faded and Taohuayuan is perfect for a slow walk. Don’t rush out as soon as you enter; follow Qin Creek deeper in and the osmanthus scent on both banks will lead the way. The shade is thick, dappled light falls through, and the air smells of damp moss. 🍜 For lunch, don’t settle for something inside the scenic area. Exit and go to a nearby farmhouse restaurant for a bowl of Taoyuan chicken—the broth is fresh and the meat tender. Eat it with the local mugwort pancake for a homely meal. In the afternoon, return to the park for the live staging of “Peach Blossom Spring.” Book tickets in advance; the evening shows are crowded. ⚠️ There are many steps around Qin Valley. If you’re with elders or kids, stick to the main route and avoid forcing a climb. Expect to spend three to four hours exploring the whole area, so comfortable shoes matter more than anything. Autumn here isn’t too crowded, perfect for lingering the whole day. 02 Zibo | Shandong Don’t just focus on the barbecue stalls. Zhoucun ancient market is Zibo’s real treasure. On a September morning, the stone slabs are still cool from night and the sesame aroma from the baked goods wafts through the air. The old buildings are well preserved—walk from the main street to Silk Market Street, then turn into Silver Market Street, and you’ll feel the late Qing to early Republican era vibe. 📍 Be sure to visit the long‑established Ruifuxiang to see the silk shop where the business began. Then slip into a side alley and find a shop selling freshly baked Zhoucun sesame flatbread—so thin and crispy it breaks at a touch; eat it hot for the best flavor. ⚠️ The Old Dye Works in the market was a filming location for the TV series Da Ran Fang, but it stops admitting visitors at 4:30 PM, so don’t go right before closing. Two hours is enough to stroll the whole street; afterward, take a taxi to Haidai Tower to see the Zhongshuge bookstore—its evening lights are very photogenic. 03 Jiaxing | Zhejiang Wuzhen or Xitang in September? My answer: visit both, split them between day and night. Reserve the daytime for Wuzhen West. The management is polished, the waterways are clean, and hand‑dyed indigo printed fabric from the natural dye workshops hangs in the sun like blue waves when the breeze blows. If you get tired, take a traditional oar boat; the boatwoman hums local tunes as you pass under stone bridges and time suddenly slows down. 🌙 Move on to Xitang at dusk and be sure to stay until it’s dark. A string of red lanterns under the misty covered corridor reflects in the water and looks ten times better at night. Find a riverside eatery, order a plate of salt‑and‑pepper pumpkin and a simply steamed whitefish, and sit by the window to watch the boats go by. ⚠️ Tickets for the two towns are sold separately. West Scenic Area night tickets are cheaper than daytime ones, but many small attractions close at night—choose based on what you want to see. For lodging, stay inside Xitang’s scenic area so you can open your window at dawn and see the quietest side of the town. 04 Leshan | Sichuan In Leshan, both the mountain and the Buddha are so famous it’s hard to choose where to start. My suggestion: Mount Emei in the morning and the Leshan Giant Buddha in the afternoon. It’s a tight day but doable. 🌄 Head up at 6:00 AM to catch the sunrise before the sea of clouds over the Golden Summit disperses. In September on Mount Emei, autumn is just reaching the treetops and the monkeys aren’t too aggressive yet, but don’t carry plastic bags—they will snatch them. Taking the cableway up and down plus visiting the summit takes about four hours; bring a jacket, as it’s much windier and noticeably colder at the top. In the afternoon at the Leshan Giant Buddha, skip the long queue to walk the winding plank road down to the Buddha’s feet—it’s crowded and rough on the legs. A smarter route is to enter through the north gate, visit Lingyun Temple first, then circle to the side of the Buddha’s head for the best angle that captures the Buddha and the confluence with the Minjiang River. 🍜 After descending, don’t rush off—head to Zhanggongqiao food street for a bowl of qiaojiao beef. The broth is incredibly savory; paired with blood curd and spicy crispy intestines, the meal completes the trip. 05 Haidong | Qinghai Autumn comes early in Haidong. By late September the valleys around Huzhu are already turning yellow. Spend half a day at the Tu homeland park, where Tu aunties will serve you qingke barley wine and perform the Anzhao dance. The park’s wheel attraction is a highlight—it looks daring, but it spins steadily, so give it a try. From the park, drive about 50 km north to Youning Temple. The mountain road is twisty, but the autumn scenery along the way is worth every blink. Youning is a Tibetan Buddhist temple much quieter than Ta’er Monastery, with almost no tourists—only the flutter of prayer flags and the creak of prayer wheels. ⚠️ The altitude is close to 3,000 m, so don’t move too fast or you’ll get breathless. There are no restaurants at the temple—bring snacks and water. In the evening back in Huzhu county, try the Tu specialty gou jiao niao pancake. The name is odd, but pancakes fried in rapeseed oil are fragrant and chewy, and they go beautifully with hand‑pulled lamb. 06 Handan | Hebei Guangfu Ancient City and Nuwa Palace have completely different vibes, but both are in Handan and perfect to visit in September. Guangfu Ancient City is ideal in the morning—the city wall is over 4 km around, and renting a bike to circle it is the most pleasant way to see it. The city is a rare northern “water city,” surrounded by water where egrets rise and fall among the reeds. 🍜 Have a noon meal in the ancient city and try Yongnian crispy fish—the bones are cooked soft enough to chew for calcium. In the afternoon drive to Shexian to visit Nuwa Palace, about an hour and a half away. This ancient complex dedicated to the goddess Nuwa clings to a cliff and is connected by iron chains—thrilling to look at from a distance. ⚠️ The steps at Nuwa Palace are extremely steep. If you’re prone to fear of heights, don’t look down. If your stamina is average, stopping at the repair‑the‑sky plaza halfway up is enough—no need to climb to the top. On the way down in the evening, stop in Shexian town for a bowl of minjie noodles—made from coarse grains and topped with savory sauce, simple but memorable. 07 Weinan | Shaanxi Climbing Mount Huashan in September is both a test of endurance and a feast for the eyes. Don’t overestimate yourself and hike from Yuquan Monastery unless you’re very fit—the six‑hour “clever Huashan route” is not for everyone. The least tiring way is to take the West Peak cableway up and the North Peak cableway down, linking West, South, and East peaks in a day. 🌄 Walk at least a section of the cliffside plank road on West Peak—the abyss underfoot is terrifying, and the wind pouring up from the valley will make your legs wobble while your view opens outrageously wide. South Peak is the highest point of Huashan; the “Huashan Sword Debate” stele is there. Expect lines for photos, but it’s worth the wait. If you dare try the East Peak’s vertical descent known as Yaozi Fan Shen, the vertical drop is ten times more thrilling than a roller coaster. 📍 After descending, don’t leave right away—head to Huayin county at the foot of the mountain for a bowl of da‑dao mian (big‑knife noodles). The noodles are as wide as a belt and served with oil‑splashed chili; one bite will wipe away most of the climbing fatigue. One note: the temperature difference at the summit in September is large between day and night—bring a lightweight down jacket, don’t just rely on a shell jacket. 08 Xilingol League | Inner Mongolia By late September the Wulagai grassland has shed its summer green and turned golden. Visit now and most tourists are gone; between the sky and earth it’s just you and herds of cattle and sheep, the wind smelling of grass seeds—desolate and vast. Self‑driving is the best way to explore. Start from Bayin Hushuo town and follow the Wulagai River north. 🚄 There are no direct flights; most travelers fly to Xilinhot and then rent a car for a three‑hour drive. The scenery along the road rivals the attractions themselves, and you can pull over anytime for epic shots. Don’t miss the sunset at Wulagai Lake—its surface turns orange‑red and the distant hills look like an ink wash painting. ⚠️ Accommodation on the grassland is limited. Town hotels are more reliable than yurts—yurts can get uncomfortably cold at night. By late September some herders are already moving camp; if you meet a convoy driving livestock, slow down and don’t honk to avoid spooking the animals. For a deeper experience, hire a local guide to take you into Wild Wolf Valley deep in the grassland—far more interesting than viewing from fenced tourist sites. Golden autumn is short—don’t miss the winds of September and October. Pick a destination near you, buy a ticket, and go—the mountains and rivers will write the story for you. travel town trips destinations trip travel

The geology and landforms of the Inner Mongolian grasslands are complex and mysterious; millions of years ago, this area was a vast volcanic field. To this day, the Xilingol region still retains many volcanic remains. [Cute] The Inner Mongolia Xilinhot Grassland Volcano Geopark is located within Xilinhot City. In 2018, it was approved by the Ministry of Land and Resources as part of the 8th batch of National Geoparks. The park is divided into two core scenic areas: the Pingdingshan Multi-tiered Lava Plateau and the Gezishan Composite Volcanic Cone and Spatter Cone area. It preserves geological remains such as volcanic cones, lava plateaus, and pyroclastic sheets in their entirety. The rarity and integrity of its volcanic landforms have significant scientific research value worldwide. This area integrates grassland ecological landscapes with Mongolian folk culture, forming a unique landscape where nature and humanity coexist. The park contains large-scale Cenozoic volcanic geological remains. The multi-tiered lava plateau in the Pingdingshan area is composed of dozens of stepped volcanic cones, showcasing the multi-stage characteristics of volcanic eruptions. The Gezishan area is characterized by composite volcanic landforms, including cinder cones and spatter cones. It features extensive pyroclastic sheets and well-preserved spatter cone groups. [TeaDrinker] The Pingdingshan area centers around the Beilike Pasture and preserves multi-tiered lava plateaus and volcanic cone groups. Clear columnar jointing can be seen at the edges of the plateau, and the surface is covered with grassland vegetation, creating a landscape where stepped landforms and green meadows interweave. The Gezishan area concentrates on the spatter cone and cinder cone complexes formed during the late stages of volcanic eruptions. The Beilike Pasture multi-tiered lava plateau is composed of dozens of volcanic cones, a uniqueness that is rare in the north and even worldwide. The Gezishan area is characterized by primitive volcanic landscapes such as pyroclastic sheets and composite volcanic landforms (e.g., volcanic spatter cones, volcanic cinder cones). 🚗 Admission ticket prices: 1. Admission ticket + scenic shuttle bus: CNY 120. Ascend to the main viewing platform for sightseeing. 2. Admission ticket + scenic shuttle bus + off-road vehicle: CNY 170. Includes the main viewing platform, plus an off-road vehicle ride to enjoy two additional volcanic viewing platforms.

What is worth visiting in Xilingol? What is worth visiting in Xilingol?