May Day Holiday Alternative Travel Guide: 4 Lesser-Known Cities Recommended

1. Fujian · Xiapu
Why visit: China's most beautiful mudflats and a realm of light and shadow
- Must-try experiences:
- Watch the golden sunset at Dongbi Village, capturing the "golden moment" of fishermen casting nets; photograph the colorful tidal patterns at Xiaohao Beach, where the mudflats resemble a flowing oil painting.
- Hike through the 10,000-acre grassland and coastline of Yushan Island, cycle along the rainbow road to see the spectacular 270° view of rocks and waves intertwining.
- Local delicacies: Xiapu seaweed soup, crispy outside and tender inside oyster pancakes, chewy fish balls like sea foam, night market meals for just 30 yuan per person until you're full.
- Transportation and accommodation: Direct high-speed train to Xiapu Station, car rental recommended for exploring fishing villages; stay at seaside guesthouses in Dongbi Village with sunrise views from your window.

2. Hubei · Enshi
Why visit: Earth's crevice wonder at 30° north latitude
- Must-try experiences:
- Ride a hover boat through Pingshan Canyon, experiencing the "Chinese Sipadan" with its crystal clear waters; challenge yourself on the 400-meter-high glass bridge at Dixin Valley, overlooking karst landforms.
- Visit Tusi City wearing Miao ethnic clothing for photos, enjoy dinner with Zhang Guanhe Zha (bean curd dish) paired with Shuaiwan wine, experiencing the Tujia people's hospitality.
- Local delicacies: Cured meat with potatoes, oil tea soup, Enshi small potatoes that are soft and sweet, night market snacks averaging 10 yuan.
- Transportation and accommodation: High-speed train to Enshi Station, charter a car to scenic spots; recommended to stay at guesthouses near Pingshan Scenic Area, avoiding crowds in early morning.

3. Sichuan · Yibin
Why visit: Bamboo seas, wine aroma and the charm of three rivers
- Must-try experiences:
- Hike through the 10,000-acre emerald waves of South Sichuan Bamboo Sea, breathe fresh oxygen in the Jade Corridor, overlook the surging bamboo waves from Xianyu Cave.
- Taste paper-thin white meat in Lizhang Ancient Town, take a night tour of Hejiang Gate landmark square to see the spectacular night view of three rivers (Min River, Jinsha River, Yangtze River) converging.
- Local delicacies: Yibin burning noodles with Putaojing cold jelly, don't miss the fermented tofu and grilled pig tendon at the barbecue night market.
- Transportation and accommodation: Direct high-speed train to Yibin West Station, city taxi starting fare is 8 yuan; stay at inns within the Bamboo Sea scenic area, fall asleep to the sound of rustling bamboo.

4. Yunnan · Yuanjiang Xinping
Why visit: Hani terraced fields and Milky Way secret realm
- Must-try experiences:
- Visit the Hani terraced fields deep in the Ailao Mountains, misty like a fairyland in the early morning; camp under the stars at night, with the Milky Way reflecting on the terrace water surface.
- Hike through the colorful clay forest, where the red sandstone landscape resembles the surface of Mars, perfect for sci-fi style photos.
- Local delicacies: Sour fish soup and bamboo tube rice at Hani long-street banquets, fresh wild vegetable soup from the mountains.
- Transportation and accommodation: 3-hour drive from Kunming or take a bus to Xinping; recommended to stay in mushroom-shaped guesthouses beside the terraced fields for an authentic experience.

---

Travel Tips
- Off-peak strategies: Enter popular attractions before 7 AM (like Pingshan Canyon hover boat), or visit after 3 PM (like Xiapu mudflats).
- Equipment suggestions: Bring waterproof jackets and non-slip shoes for the rainy Enshi mountains; check tide tables for Xiapu mudflat photography and wear non-slip rubber shoes.
- Budget control: Lesser-known cities are budget-friendly, with Yibin burning noodles at 8 yuan per bowl and Xinping guesthouses averaging 100 yuan per night.

This May Day holiday, instead of "military-style check-ins" among crowds, immerse yourself in these hidden gems, let mountains and seas heal your body and mind, and let the simple pleasures of life soothe your anxiety.