Say No to Crowds! These 4 Hidden Gems Are Perfect for May Day Holiday Travel

Instead of seeing "crowds of people" at popular attractions, why not visit these 4 lesser-known cities with beautiful scenery, fewer tourists, and great experiences? Enjoy your 3-4 day holiday to the fullest. Gansu · Tianshui: A Hidden Corner of Buddhist Culture on the Silk Road Tianshui, a city favored by time, carries 8,000 years of history. Don't miss the Maijishan Grottoes, where Buddha statues remain lifelike and awe-inspiring despite centuries of weathering. To experience the cultural atmosphere, visit Fuxi Temple and Tianshui Ancient City. The former is considered China's first temple with profound historical charm; the latter is full of everyday life—stroll through it and encounter the authentic local lifestyle. ✅Transportation: 1.5-hour high-speed train from Xi'an to Tianshui South Station ✅Food: Must-try Tianshui spicy hot pot, plus local specialties like Guagua and pork oil boxes ✅Accommodation: Recommended areas near Tianshui Central Square for convenient transportation and evening visits to the ancient city Jiangxi · Yaoli: Peaceful Moments in a Porcelain Heritage Town Yaoli Ancient Town has minimal commercialization, remaining quiet and peaceful. The Yao River winds through with crystal-clear water; the Ming and Qing commercial streets maintain their traditional charm—perfect for a leisurely stroll to appreciate the tranquility. The architecture at Shigang Shenglan is exquisite, featuring masterful wood, brick, and stone carvings that showcase its past glory. ✅Transportation: First travel to Jingdezhen city, then take a bus transfer, approximately 1.5 hours total ✅Food: Bitter oak tofu, Yaoli stewed chicken are delicious, and Yaoli green tea offers a refreshing aftertaste ✅Accommodation: Charming guesthouses within the ancient town, or stay in Jingdezhen for more accommodation options Guangxi · Hechi: A Hidden Paradise of Karst Landscapes Hechi's karst peak forests are unparalleled. The Qibai Nong area features thousands of peaks and valleys, layer upon layer of mountains, and when the sea of clouds rolls in, it feels like a fairyland. The First Bend of the Hongshui River is magnificent, with winding waters embraced by mountains. The Muluojia Little Three Gorges is like a hidden paradise—take a boat tour to experience nature's incredible craftsmanship. ✅Transportation: High-speed trains go directly to Hechi West Station; some attractions are distant, so hiring a car is recommended ✅Food: Bama fragrant pork (crispy skin, tender meat), nutritious hemp soup, and spicy Yizhou grilled fish ✅Accommodation: Bama wellness guesthouses for experiencing longevity culture, or hotels in Jinchengjiang District for convenience Jiangsu · Liyang: Leisurely Pace Amid Lakes and Mountains Liyang boasts two treasures: Tianmu Lake and Nanshan Bamboo Sea. Tianmu Lake's emerald waters offer a delightful boating experience with sparkling ripples; Nanshan Bamboo Sea features hills covered in bamboo—take the mini train through it to breathe fresh air and relax. Pingqiao Stone Dam transforms into a magnificent waterfall during rainy seasons. ✅Transportation: High-speed train to Liyang Station, or a 1.5-hour drive from Nanjing ✅Food: Delicious claypot fish head soup, fragrant black rice, and refreshing stir-fried white celery with dried tofu ✅Accommodation: Recommended guesthouses in the Tianmu Lake resort area for lake views, or star-rated hotels in the city center. This May Day holiday, visit these lesser-known cities and discover a different kind of beauty!