Tired of climbing hills and rushing your itinerary? These slow-paced cities in Southwest China are perfect for a super comfortable 3-day National Day getaway.
If you want to avoid the National Day crowds in popular cities and don't want to tire your legs out climbing stairs in mountain towns, I've handpicked a few slow-paced cities in Southwest China that are completely flat. No need to rush between attractions—just spend three days relaxing to your heart's content. This is the perfect itinerary for lazy travelers✨
Suining 📍
Trip highlights✨
The city is almost entirely flat, and shared e-scooters are everywhere, making it easy to get around without tiring your legs. You can lounge around in scenic spots, admire Southern Song Dynasty celadon, or explore ancient architecture. It's quiet and uncrowded, so you won't have to fight for photo spots.
Must-visit spots: China's Dead Sea, Song Ceramics Museum, Guangde Temple, Guanyin Lake Wetland Park
Itinerary🗓️
Day 1: Take the high-speed train and ride an e-scooter straight to the Song Ceramics Museum. The Southern Song Dynasty celadon has a delicate texture, and it's quiet enough that you can take your time admiring the patterns. In the evening, stroll along the Guanyin Lake riverside path, enjoy the breeze while waiting for the sunset, and visit the central business district on your way back.
Day 2: Spend the whole day at the Dead Sea. No need to set an alarm or rush. You can just float on the water, and when you're tired, head to the hot spring area to lounge. You can sit there all afternoon with a book without anyone bothering you.
Day 3: Visit Guangde Temple in the morning. The ancient cypress trees provide shade, so it's not hot at all. The temple grounds are completely flat, so you won't need to climb any stairs. After exploring, enjoy a local meal before heading back at a leisurely pace.
Food recommendations🍜
Suining beef noodles, mustard spring rolls, braised duck, spiced dried tofu
Travel tips💡
It is recommended to book tickets for the Dead Sea 3 days in advance for the National Day holiday. Shared e-scooters are available throughout the city and are more convenient and less congested than taking a taxi.
Chuxiong 📍
Trip highlights✨
A warm, cozy city nestled in the wide plains of central Yunnan. The roads are incredibly wide, and there are barely any hills. It's not as crowded as Dali or Lijiang, and it has a rich Yi ethnic culture. You can take your time exploring ancient towns and viewing prehistoric fossils.
Must-visit spots: Yi Ancient Town, Chuxiong Prefecture Museum, Yihai Park, Lufeng Dinosaur Valley
Itinerary🗓️
Day 1: Upon arriving in Chuxiong, head to Yihai Park to walk on the grass. The lakeside path is flat and smooth, making it a very comfortable walk in the sun. In the evening, visit the Yi Ancient Town night market, join in the fun at the ethnic bonfire dance, and feel free to dance along—no one will mind.
Day 2: Spend the morning at the Prefecture Museum. From dinosaur fossils to traditional Yi clothing, there are enough exhibits to keep you occupied for half a day. In the afternoon, find a mushroom hot pot restaurant and take your time eating. You can head back to your hotel to relax afterward without feeling like you've wasted any time.
Day 3: If you have energy, head to Lufeng Dinosaur Valley. The park is completely flat, and you can take a sightseeing car if you get tired. If you don't want to travel far, just wander around the city and buy some braised snacks. You can adjust the pace of your itinerary as you like.
Food recommendations🍲
Mushroom hot pot, Yi-style cold chicken, small-pot rice noodles, Mouding fermented bean curd
Travel tips💡
The UV rays in central Yunnan are strong, so remember to wear sunscreen. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a light jacket for the evening. Keep an eye on your belongings at the bonfire site as it can get crowded.
Meishan 📍
Trip highlights✨
The hometown of Su Dongpo, just a 20-minute high-speed train ride from Chengdu. The city is so flat you'll barely find a hill. With low prices, great food, and a rich cultural atmosphere, it's perfect for a 3-day trip if you don't want to travel far.
Must-visit spots: Sansu Shrine, Dongpo Lake Wetland Park, Heilongtan, Jiangkou Cliff Tombs
Itinerary🗓️
Day 1: Upon arriving by high-speed train, visit Sansu Shrine first. The red walls and bamboo shadows are perfect for photos. Follow the official guide to hear the stories of the "Three Sus," which is much more interesting than wandering around on your own. In the evening, visit Dongpo Song City, where the road is lined with snack stalls.
Day 2: Spend the whole day at Heilongtan. The lakeside path is flat and easy to walk, or you can take a boat to explore the islands. There's no mountain climbing involved, and finding a lakeside teahouse to sit and enjoy the breeze all afternoon is very relaxing.
Day 3: In the morning, you can visit the Jiangkou Cliff Tombs to see Han Dynasty artifacts. If you don't want to travel, just wander around the old vegetable market to buy souvenirs, then head back after lunch.
Food recommendations🥩
Dongpo pork knuckle, Danling frozen rice cake (dongba), dragon eye pastry, boboji, Dongpo pickles
Travel tips💡
Book your high-speed train tickets to and from Chengdu in advance for the National Day holiday. There are official guides at the entrance of Sansu Shrine, so there's no need to look for unofficial guides on the street. Driving is more flexible for visiting Heilongtan.
Yuxi 📍
Trip highlights✨
A famous slow-paced city in central Yunnan. The plains are wide and flat, and the paths along Fuxian Lake are well-maintained, making it easy to explore by e-scooter without tiring your legs. There are so many varieties of rice noodles you could eat them for three days without repeating, and it's much less crowded than Kunming.
Must-visit spots: Fuxian Lake Loop Road, Guanglong Town, Nie Er Music Square, Zhoucheng Old Street
Itinerary🗓️
Day 1: Upon arriving in Yuxi, visit Zhoucheng Old Street and have a bowl of braised pot rice noodles to fill up. In the evening, head to Nie Er Music Square to wait for the sunset and stroll slowly along the riverside path. It's all flat and won't tire your feet.
Day 2: Spend the whole day at Fuxian Lake. Rent an e-scooter and cruise slowly along the loop road. Stop to splash in the water whenever you see a shallow beach you like. If you don't want to move, just find a small shop by the lake and sit for the afternoon—no need to rush between attractions.
Day 3: Visit Guanglong Town in the morning to buy some local specialties like lotus root starch, and have a hot meal of copper pot fish before you leave.
Food recommendations🐟
Copper pot fish, copper pot potato rice, braised pot rice noodles, cold rice shrimp, Jiangchuan three-course meal
Travel tips💡
It's windy by the lake, so remember to bring a sun hat. Check that your e-scooter has enough battery before renting it. It is recommended to book lakeside homestays early for the National Day holiday.
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