Avoid the crowds! Trip.com Reputation List reveals 6 hidden gem destinations with fewer people, beautiful scenery, and great savings

Want to escape the crowds this National Day? The Trip.com Reputation List + local experts' tested guide is here! We've compiled 6 secret spots that are "beautiful, affordable, and unique," with exclusive tips and pitfalls to avoid. Save this now 👇 🌟 Nianbadu Ancient Town: A millennium-old secret at the border of three provinces - Must-visit: Explore the secret compartment in Dai Li’s former residence (bring a flashlight), stroll along the Ming and Qing dynasty Huizhou-style stone-paved streets (best photos at dusk when the lights come on) ​ - Foodie heaven: Copper gong cake (soft and glutinous with osmanthus fragrance), spicy rabbit head (perfect with local rice wine), Nianbadu tofu pot (slow-cooked over firewood, super flavorful) ​ - Money-saving tip: Book the "Ancient Town + Homestay" package on Trip.com 3 days in advance, about 150 RMB per person including tickets and breakfast ​ - Exclusive experience: Learn traditional papermaking with an old craftsman (20 RMB/person), make your own handmade paper with plant fibers 🏯 Wanzai Ancient City: A living museum of intangible cultural heritage with a thousand years of history - Must-do: Visit over 30 Ming and Qing dynasty Gan-style ancestral halls (the wood carving "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" at the Zhou family mansion is stunning), watch the intangible heritage iron flower performance every Saturday at 8:00 PM (free) ​ - In-depth activities: Try handwoven summer cloth (50 RMB/hour), night tour of the lantern market (lanterns light up after 6:00 PM, very atmospheric) ​ - Accommodation recommendation: Ancient city homestay (200 RMB/night, window views of blue bricks and black tiles), Old Friends New Acquaintances homestay (terrace stargazing + selenium-rich hot springs) ​ - Travel tip: Rent a car at Yichun Station and drive 40 minutes directly there; weekdays are less crowded 🌋 Nuodeng Ancient Village: A thousand-year-old ham hanging to preserve fresh flavor - Golden experience: Salt and cure ham with an intangible heritage craftsman (free but labor-intensive), taste freshly sliced three-year-aged ham (dip in honey for a sweet and salty explosion) ​ - Off-the-beaten-path route: Hike the Salt Horse Ancient Trail (2 hours), discover Ming dynasty salt tax stele and abandoned salt drying platforms along the way ​ - Photography tip: Climb Yuhuang Pavilion at 5 AM to capture morning mist and sea of clouds (ham glows golden in the dawn light) ​ - Big money saver: Stay in a Qing dynasty salt merchant’s old house converted into a homestay (198 RMB/night), includes ham breakfast and salt well tour ​ - Exclusive bonus: DIY ham bookmark (15 RMB each), salt well mud mask (20 RMB/jar, perfect for 10 minutes) 🌊 Shengsi Monk Suite: A seaside secret at 30° north latitude - Must-stop spots: Cliff glass viewing platform (feet above the sea, super thrilling), Fairy Bridge to photograph waves hitting rocks (camera settings: ISO200, f/8, 1/500s) ​ - Deep experience: Tide pooling at low tide (bring a small shovel to dig clams), stay overnight in island homestays listening to the waves (180 RMB per person including seafood dinner) ​ - Foodie surprise: Mussel feast (steamed or braised, both delicious), seafood noodles (choose your own toppings, very satisfying) ​ - Travel tip: 3-hour drive from Shanghai/Hangzhou to the pier, recommended to buy combined "boat ticket + admission" to save 20 RMB 🌿 Songyang Ancient Village: The last secret of Jiangnan - Must-try: Chenjiapu Village Pioneer Bookstore (watch clouds drift over terraced fields through cliffside floor-to-ceiling windows), pick tea and make tea with local farmers (30 RMB/person, take home 2 taels) ​ - Money-saving tip: Tickets are 30 RMB cheaper after 2 PM, stay in terraced glass star rooms (400 RMB/night including breakfast and travel photography) ​ - Exclusive route: Hike the rhododendron sea in Sandu Township (April only), ride an electric scooter through tea fields (30 RMB/day) ​ - Travel tip: Rent a car at Lishui Station and drive 1 hour, wear non-slip shoes (stone roads can be slippery after rain) 🚢 Pingshan Canyon: The real-life Semporna (upgraded version) - Must-experience: Floating boat in the canyon (best light 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, wear a solid color long dress for great photos), hike Wuchimen (the narrowest part of the canyon is stunning for photos) ​ - Money-saving tip: Tickets are 30 RMB cheaper after 2 PM, stay in nearby homestays (100 RMB per person including shuttle) ​ - Exclusive route: Wild trail through the Earth Heart Valley (guided, 3-hour experience including rock descent and fissure exploration) ​ - Travel tip: Private car from Enshi Airport costs 300 RMB direct, avoid holiday traffic jams 🎫 National Day money-saving tip: Grab cultural and tourism vouchers! - Guangdong: From September 12, 20 million vouchers available, up to 200 RMB off hotels/tickets, directly deducted on Trip.com orders ​ - Trip.com 919 Sale: Songyang flights + Suoji homestay 888 RMB/night (includes afternoon tea + terraced field hike), Nuodeng Ancient Village homestay 666 RMB/2 nights (no price increase during National Day) ​ - Nationwide: Book hotels 30 days in advance for early bird prices, some homestays do not raise prices during National Day! 👉 Action guide: 1. Claim local vouchers immediately (issued from September 12 onwards) ​ 2. Book Trip.com 919 sale hotels (some packages refundable if expired) ​ 3. Save this guide and share with friends to plan your trip ​ 4. Follow the Trip.com Reputation List for real-time updates on the latest rankings Don’t squeeze into crowds this National Day! Follow Trip.com’s curated guide for a fun and money-saving trip~ Click the link below for more details, don’t miss out!