Ai takes you on a tour of China: seven off-the-beaten-track travel destinations!

🌈 Relax this holiday. Are you still anxious about choosing a travel destination? Don't worry, I'll recommend seven less-known but absolutely comfortable niche cities for you, so you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a trip whenever you want!

1. Mangshi, Yunnan (Exotic charm on the China-Myanmar border)**
- **Recommended reasons**: Rich Dai and Jingpo cultures, Water Splashing Festival activities continue until May 1st, fewer tourists and low prices.
- **Things to do**:
- Check in at the Meng Huan Big Silver Pagoda and take exotic photos when the lights come on in the evening.
- Stroll through the Baisite Food City and taste local snacks such as pickled chicken feet and Dai-style hand-grabbed rice.
- Visit the Tree-Embracing Pagoda and experience the blend of nature and culture.
- **Transportation**: Direct flight from Kunming to Mangshi (1 hour), air tickets are always low-priced.

2. Xiapu, Fujian (China's most beautiful tidal flats)**
- **Recommended reasons**: Stunning tidal flat light and shadow, B&Bs need to be booked in advance during May 1st, suitable for photography lovers.
- **Things to do**:
- Photograph the tiger-striped light and shadow at Xiaohao Beach and capture the sunrise and sunset at Beiqi Beach.
- Watch the fishing rafts on the sea reflect the morning light in Huazhu Village.
- Go out to sea with fishermen to catch fresh seafood and experience the delicious taste of freshly boiled seafood.
- **Transportation**: Take the high-speed train to Ningde and transfer. Self-driving is recommended for more flexibility.

3. Ili, Xinjiang (Grassland flower sea and snow-capped mountains)**
- **Recommended reasons**: May 1st is in the spring of Ili, the grasslands are lush and green, and the tourist density is far lower than that of popular destinations in northern Xinjiang.
- **Things to do**:
- Hike in the Kalajun Grassland and see the "three-dimensional picture scroll" dotted with wildflowers.
- Visit the Kazantqi Folk Village in Yining, where the blue buildings are full of fairytale charm.
- Drive the Duku Highway (if open) and experience the magnificence of the snow-capped mountains and canyons.
- **Transportation**: Fly to Urumqi and transfer to Yining, or rent a car and drive yourself.

4. Songyang, Zhejiang (The last secret place in Jiangnan)**
- **Recommended reasons**: Ancient villages intertwined with tea gardens and sea of clouds, suitable for slow-paced vacations.
- **Things to do**:
- Photograph the "Golden Potala Palace" at dusk in Yangjiatang Village.
- Cycle through the Damushan Tea Garden, pick tea, and taste local high mountain tea.
- Try handmade tofu balls, Qingming Kueh, and other snacks in Songyang Old Street.
- **Transportation**: Take the high-speed train to Lishui and then take a taxi or drive for 1 hour.

5. Baise, Guangxi (Secret place in Karst mountains and rivers)**
- **Recommended reasons**: The Tongling Grand Canyon, Goose Spring and other scenic spots have few people and quiet scenery, suitable for escaping from the world.
- **Things to do**:
- Hike through the Tongling Grand Canyon and see the cascading waterfalls and virgin forests.
- Take a boat trip on Goose Spring and experience the reflection of the mountains and rivers like "Little Guilin".
- Cycle around Haokun Lake and admire the blend of karst landforms and turquoise waters.
- **Transportation**: Take the high-speed train from Nanning to Baise (1.5 hours). Chartered car tours are recommended.

6. Gannan, Gansu (Tibetan culture and natural wonders)**
- **Recommended reasons**: Scenic spots such as Zagana and Labrang Monastery have fewer tourists and a strong Tibetan atmosphere.
- **Things to do**:
- Hike in Zagana and explore the hidden villages in the "natural stone city".
- Ride horses on the Sangke Grassland and experience the life of herdsmen.
- Turn prayer wheels at Labrang Monastery and feel the devout atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism.
- **Transportation**: Self-drive or chartered car from Lanzhou (4-5 hours).

7. Lingao, Hainan (Wild seascape and fishing village style)**
- **Recommended reasons**: Avoid the crowds of Sanya and enjoy the pristine beaches and the slow life of fishing villages.
- **Things to do**:
- Watch the sunrise and sunset at Lingaojiao and photograph the open seascape.
- Visit the fishing village pier and taste seafood noodle soup and Lingao roast suckling pig.
- Visit the Liberation Park and learn about the history of the revolution.
- **Transportation**: 1.5 hours' drive from Haikou.

**Travel tips**
1. **Book in advance**: Small cities have limited B&B resources, so it is recommended to book 1-2 weeks in advance.
2. **Flexible transportation**: Choose the "flight + self-drive" combination to avoid popular routes (such as Ili in Xinjiang and Mangshi in Yunnan).
3. **Travel light**: Some destinations require hiking or cycling, so it is recommended to bring light equipment.
4. **Travel off-peak**: Depart before April 29 or after May 2 to reduce crowds.

These cities combine natural scenery and cultural characteristics, suitable for travelers seeking in-depth experiences.