[National Day Niche Pitfall Avoidance Guide | 5 Treasure Spots with Less Crowds and Beautiful Scenery

Tired of the crowds at popular attractions? This off-the-beaten-path travel guide will help you unlock five hidden gems, escape the crowds and experience the beauty of nature in your own private space. 📸

📍Guizhou · Zhaoxing Dong Village
🔹Experience the authentic charm of the millennium Dong village: Stroll along the bluestone paths, explore five drum towers, and listen to Dong folk songs echoing across the wind-and-rain bridges.
🔹National Day specials: Experience the intangible cultural heritage of iron flower making (golden rain under the stars at night), a Dong wedding parade, and experience handmade indigo dyeing.
🔹Photography tips: Climb to the observation deck in the morning to capture panoramic views of the Dong village shrouded in the morning mist, and hike through the Tang'an Terraces. Golden Rice Waves
🔹Transportation: High-speed rail directly to Congjiang Station, 10-minute taxi ride
🔹Budget: 1,500-2,000 RMB per person (including accommodation, meals, and entrance fees)

📍Fujian · Xiapu
🔹Tidal Flat Light and Shadow Feast: Sunrise on the Beiqi Tidal Flats (golden silhouettes of fishermen casting their nets), Sunset on the Dongbi Tidal Flats (warm orange painting of returning fishing boats)
🔹Tidal Tips: Download the "Tide Table Wizard" app. Low tide from October 1st to 7th is ideal for photographing mudflat textures.
🔹Island Secret: One-hour boat ride to Yueshan Visit the "Wugong Mountain on the Sea," where thousands of acres of grasslands and Tianhu Lake complement each other.
🔹Food recommendations: Sansha pork dumplings and seafood stalls (all-you-can-eat, 50 yuan per person)
🔹Transportation: High-speed trains go directly to Xiapu Station; chartering a car is recommended for greater flexibility.
🔹Budget: 1,200-1,800 yuan per person

📍Shaxi Ancient Town, Yunnan
🔹A gem on the Tea Horse Road: Stroll along the bluestone pavement of Sideng Street, explore the Ming Dynasty murals at Xingjiao Temple, and enjoy a good book at Pioneer Bookstore.
🔹Autumn special: Sunset over Yujin Bridge (golden light reflected from the archway), Cycling in the rice fields (golden rice fields by the end of September)
🔹Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: Learn tie-dyeing from a Bai ethnic grandmother, and shop for handmade bamboo weaving and rose jam at the market every Wednesday and Saturday.
🔹Recommended accommodation: Shaxi Kegongdi Cultural Inn (renovated historic house with a stunning courtyard).
🔹Transportation: 2-hour drive from Dali, or take the high-speed rail to Jianchuan Station and transfer to a minibus.
🔹Budget: 1,000-1,500 RMB per person.

📍Qinghe County, Xinjiang
🔹Grassland Stone Man Hidden Gems: Wildflowers blanket the grounds of Sandaohaizi, and witness the nomadic civilization at the 3,000-year-old Deer Stone Ruins.
🔹Spectacular Scenery: Hiking Qinggeli Wolf Mountain (triple views of snow-capped mountains, forests, and rivers), exploring the Burgen Beaver Reserve
🔹Food Specials: Baoersak with milk tea (5 yuan for a full meal), dried meat pilaf (30 yuan for a large plate)
🔹Transportation: 6-hour drive from Urumqi, or fly to Altay Airport and charter a car
🔹Note: Some sections of the road may have no signal, so download an offline map in advance.
🔹Budget: 2,000-2,500 yuan per person

📍Yunnan Pu'er
🔹Autumn in the Aroma of Coffee: Xiaoaozi Coffee Farm Pour-Over Experience (40 yuan for unlimited refills), and viewing the sea of clouds at the Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tea Forest
🔹National Day Special Event: Meizihu Park Coffee Culture Festival (market/latte art competition/bonfire party)
🔹Rainforest Exploration: Interact with Red Pandas in Pu'er National Park and Hike the Nakori Ancient Tea-Horse Trail
🔹Recommended Accommodation: Pu'er Tea Mountain B&B (views of 10,000 acres of tea plantations from the window)
🔹Transportation: Fly directly to Pu'er Airport or take the high-speed rail to Pu'er Station
🔹Budget: 1,500-2,000 RMB per person

📌Travel Tips:

1. Book accommodations at least one month in advance, as accommodations in less-visited areas are limited.
2. Bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
3. Respect local customs and culture, and travel in a civilized manner.
This National Day, let's escape the crowds and discover the most authentic scenery and ourselves in secluded and hidden gems.🌿