May Day Holiday: Avoid Crowds and Enjoy Free Attractions for a Peaceful Vacation

Worried about crowds during May Day? Here are some lesser-known free attractions! Detailed guides to Nanxi River in Zhejiang, Chaji Ancient Town in Anhui, and Star Lake Greenway in Zhaoqing, Guangdong to help you avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful holiday! 1. Nanxi River, Zhejiang (Ancient Villages + Mountains and Waters) ✈️ Transportation High-speed rail: To Yongjia Station (Wenzhou North), then take a taxi or bus to Yantou Town (center of scenic area). Self-driving: About 3.5 hours from Hangzhou, take Zhuyong Expressway to Fenglin Exit. 🏞️ Must-visit Recommendations Free Ancient Villages: Lishui Street in Yantou Town: Ming and Qing dynasty stone-paved street built along the water, most photogenic in early morning and at night. Cangpo Village: Ancient village planned during the Song Dynasty, with rice fields complementing ancestral halls. Furong Village: Arranged in a "Seven Stars and Eight Dou" layout, the lotus pond at the village entrance is perfect for photos. Natural Scenery: Lion Rock Rafting Point (free viewing): Bamboo rafting requires a fee, but you can enjoy Nanxi River's iconic landscape from the shore for free. Hiking around Shiwei Rock: The scenic area charges a fee, but nearby trails offer free distant views of the Danxia landform. 🏠 Accommodation Guesthouses in Yantou Town: About 150-300 yuan/night during off-season (such as "Nanxi Ruoshe"). Money-saving tip: Staying in Hesheng Town is cheaper, but requires self-driving. ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Some villages may charge a "sanitation fee" (10-20 yuan), which is negotiable. Avoid weekends for fewer villagers and a more authentic experience. 2. Chaji Ancient Town, Anhui (Hui-style Architecture) ✈️ Transportation High-speed rail: To Jingxian Station, then take a taxi directly to the town (about 1 hour, 100 yuan) or take a bus to Houan Town and transfer. Self-driving: About 3 hours from Hefei, navigate to "Chaji Scenic Area parking lot." 🏞️ Must-visit Recommendations Free Areas: Main Street (along Xuxi): Ming and Qing dynasty Hui-style residences along the stream, with the Artists' Village section being the quietest. Honglou Bridge & Erjia Ancestral Hall: Free to view from outside, occasionally open during renovation. Rear Mountain Viewing Platform: 20-minute walk to the top for a panoramic view of the town's blue tiles and white walls. Hidden Activities: Photograph the ancient bridge in morning mist between 6-7 AM when there are very few tourists. Join art students who might be sketching and listen to their explanations of architectural details. 🏠 Accommodation Inns within the ancient town: 100-200 yuan during off-season (such as "Chaji Ancient Style Inn"), choose second-floor rooms overlooking the stream. Money-saving tip: Stay in Houan Town (5 kilometers from the ancient town) for half the price. ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Official ticket price is 80 yuan, but entry is free before 7:30 AM, after 5:30 PM, or through non-main entrances. Avoid buying "antiques" in the scenic area as they are mostly small commodities from Yiwu. 3. Star Lake Greenway, Zhaoqing, Guangdong (Cycling + Lake Views) ✈️ Transportation High-speed rail: To Zhaoqing East Station, then take a 20-minute taxi to Paifang Park (starting point of the greenway). Self-driving: 1.5 hours from Guangzhou, navigate to "Seven Star Crags Paifang Square." 🚴 Cycling Routes Classic Lake Loop (about 15 kilometers): Paifang Park → Yanqian Village → Seven Star Crags South Gate → Fairy Lake → Bohai Park Yanqian Village Section: Lakeside cafes and guesthouses, suitable for photos and rest. Fairy Lake Section: Free viewing of egrets returning to nest in the evening. Bike Rental Points: Shared bikes near Paifang Park (2 yuan/hour) or mountain bike rentals (20 yuan/day). 🌿 Nearby Free Attractions Seven Star Crags Surroundings: The greenway passes by some rock formations that can be viewed from a distance without purchasing tickets (ticket price: 78 yuan). Paifang Square Musical Fountain: Free shows every evening at 8:00 PM. 🏠 Accommodation Yanqian Village Guesthouses: Lake view rooms about 200-400 yuan (such as "Tiantian Dianjì"). Money-saving tip: Stay in Duanzhou District downtown area, chain hotels from 100+ yuan/night. ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls The greenway has little shade, so bring sun protection and water (few supply points along the way). Boat rides/cave tours within Seven Star Crags Scenic Area charge additional fees, don't be confused.