National Day travel list: 8 hidden gem destinations to avoid the tourist crowds!
“1️⃣ Yichun
Highlights: Tangwang River Forest Park, Xishui Forest Park, colorful autumn foliage, forest air, and squirrels
Accommodation: Chain hotels in downtown Yichun; homestays in Tangwanghe Town for proximity; book early for National Day
Price: 3 days, avg 620+ per person (excluding round-trip transport)
Transportation: High-speed rail to Yichun West Station; attractions are spread out, car rental/driving recommended, public transport not recommended for the whole trip
Tips: Forest area is cold morning/night, bring a thick jacket; don't take unofficial paths; avoid unlicensed taxis soliciting on the street
2️⃣ Changting
Highlights: Tingzhou Ancient City Wall, Diantou Street, Wolong Academy; beautiful night views of the Ting River, free to walk around the ancient city district
Accommodation: Hakka-style homestays in the ancient city for atmosphere; chain hotels in the county for value; avoid staying near the high-speed rail station
Price: 3 days, avg 550+ per person
Transportation: High-speed rail to Changting South Station, 15-min taxi to the ancient city; walking + shared e-scooters are best within the city
Tips: Ancient city district is free, don't get scammed by scalpers; stone roads are slippery, wear flat shoes; long queues for night bamboo rafting during National Day
3️⃣ Xuan'en
Highlights: Shiziguan floating bridge, night view of Modalou on Gongshui River; serene landscape, great for road trips
Accommodation: Riverside homestays for night views; chain hotels in the county for dining/shopping; homestays near attractions for a quiet vacation
Price: 3 days, avg 580+ per person
Transportation: High-speed rail to Enshi Station, transfer to bus to Xuan'en; public transport to Shiziguan is inconvenient, car rental/carpooling recommended
Tips: Parking on the Shiziguan floating bridge is prohibited to avoid blocking traffic; bridge may close temporarily if water levels rise due to rain, check notices before traveling
4️⃣ Wudalianchi
Highlights: Volcanic barrier lakes, Wenbo, Yaoquan Mountain; volcanic geological wonders, clear lake water, quiet and uncrowded
Accommodation: Inns near the scenic area; hotels in Wudalianchi city for better value and more dining options
Price: 3 days, avg 650+ per person
Transportation: Train to Wudalianchi Station; attractions are far apart, car rental recommended; good road conditions for driving
Tips: Huge temperature difference between day and night during National Day, bring a windbreaker; don't drink raw water; buy local specialties rationally
5️⃣ Tengchong
Highlights: Heshun Ancient Town, Volcanic Geopark, natural hot springs; soft autumn light, relaxed atmosphere
Accommodation: Homestays in the ancient town for the experience; hotels in Tengchong city for budget-friendly options and more hot spring choices
Price: 3 days, avg 720+ per person
Transportation: Direct flight to Tengchong Tuofeng Airport; or high-speed rail to Baoshan then transfer; taxis are convenient in the county
Tips: Hot spring prices are marked up during National Day, compare prices in advance; wear soft-soled shoes for the stone roads in the ancient town; ginkgo trees aren't fully golden yet, don't expect full autumn colors
6️⃣ Quzhou
Highlights: Quzhou Old Town, Confucius Temple, surrounding ancient villages; lively old town, serene landscapes, avoid the crowds
Accommodation: Hotels in Quzhou Old Town for convenience; homestays in surrounding ancient villages for a deeper experience
Price: 3 days, avg 530+ per person
Transportation: High-speed rail to Quzhou Station, convenient city buses; driving recommended for visiting surrounding ancient villages
Tips: Most of the old town district is free, don't trust roadside tour guides; autumn in the mountains is cool morning/night, bring a light jacket
7️⃣ Donglan
Highlights: Karst peaks along the Hongshui River, Changle Palace Cave; magnificent landscapes, few tourists, authentic Guangxi scenery
Accommodation: Budget hotels in Donglan County; farm homestays by the river for a closer connection to nature
Price: 3 days, avg 480+ per person
Transportation: High-speed rail to Hechi, transfer to bus to Donglan; attractions are scattered, driving is the best way to explore
Tips: Many curves in the mountains, slow down; it's cold inside the cave, bring a light jacket; verify online group-buy tickets at the venue to avoid price differences
8️⃣ Maoxian
Highlights: Songpinggou lake group, Changhai, Mohai, colorful forests reflecting in turquoise lakes, "Little Jiuzhaigou" of Western Sichuan, Qiang culture
Accommodation: Hotels in Maoxian County; farmhouses in Bailazhai, Songpinggou for proximity, some include meals
Price: 3 days, avg 560+ per person
Transportation: High-speed rail to Maoxian Station; Songpinggou is far from the county, car rental/carpooling recommended; take the sightseeing bus inside the scenic area, hiking from top to bottom is easier
Tips: Altitude is nearly 3,000m, move slowly to prevent altitude sickness; huge temperature difference between day and night, thick jacket is a must; try to buy sightseeing bus tickets to save energy”@Luna_Everhart/62 · 9 days ago