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.