I regret not knowing this sooner! Here are 8 places to avoid peak season in September for the best experience.
September arrived, and before the summer heat had even subsided, the crowds had already halved. I spent ages sifting through maps, picking out these 8 places directly accessible by high-speed rail – no crowds, no rushing, perfect for a two-day weekend getaway. With mountains, sea, grottoes, ancient villages, and canyons, there's bound to be a place to satisfy your urge to get away and breathe some fresh air.
01 Yongzhou | Hunan
Shang Gantang Ancient Village is what I'd call "Hunan's most understated Han and Tang dynasty ancient town."
📍 The Buying Bridge at the village entrance has stone slabs polished smooth by countless footsteps. The Xie Mu River flows crystal clear beneath it, and the 5 pm sunlight casts a warm yellow hue on the old walls, making every snapshot a beautiful shot. The Zhou Clan Ancestral Hall in the village still retains its Ming dynasty structure; you can go inside to see the wood carvings and column bases.
🍜 If you get tired, buy a serving of mugwort cakes from an old lady's stall at the village entrance. Hot and soft, they're only three yuan each – much more affordable than those sold in tourist areas. ⚠️ It's recommended to arrive before 10 AM, before tour groups arrive, leaving the entire ancient alleyway to yourself.
🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Yongzhou Station; sharing a ride is more cost-effective.
02 Chizhou|Anhui
Jiuhua Mountain isn't just about burning incense and praying; the path on the back mountain is where the real beauty and fewer crowds reside.
⏰ Take the scenic shuttle bus from the visitor center at 6:30 AM, heading directly to the Tiantai Scenic Area. The mist hasn't yet dissipated, and the pine needles on the stone steps are glistening with dew, making for a cool and refreshing walk. If you're not in great shape, you don't need to force your way to the top of Tiantai; the ancient prayer platform halfway up offers a panoramic view of the sea of clouds. There aren't many worshippers, so you can sit quietly for a while. When descending, don't backtrack; exit through the Minyuan Nunnery complex. Along the way, you'll pass the Phoenix Pine, a 1400-year-old tree with a truly imposing presence.
🍜 At noon, just find a vegetarian restaurant on Jiuhua Street. A vegetarian platter for 10 yuan per person is all you can eat; the tofu skin and dried bamboo shoots are even more delicious than the meat.
⚠️ On weekend afternoons, the cable car up the mountain requires a one-hour wait after 2 PM, so try to go early.
03 Linyi|Shandong
Linyi's combination of activities is brilliant. In the morning, explore the underground canyon; in the afternoon, explore the firefly water cave. Two different landscapes in one day—children and young people alike have a great time.
📍 The rafting in the underground canyon is a must-do. The rubber raft goes along the dark river, with stalactites brushing against your hair overhead. The whole trip takes about twenty minutes, and the coolness is comparable to an air-conditioned room.
⚠️ The cave floor is slippery; don't wear flip-flops. The shoe covers rented at the scenic area aren't very slip-resistant. The best time to see the firefly water cave is from 2 PM to 4 PM. After the boatman turns off all the lights, the fireflies overhead look like an inverted galaxy, and at that moment, everyone on the boat falls silent.
🚄 A taxi ride from Linyi North Station to the scenic area takes about 40 minutes. It's recommended to hire a car for the round trip, as it's difficult to hail a ride-hailing service there. If time is limited, you can skip Yimeng Mountain, as the canyon and water cave are already quite worthwhile.
04 Anyang|Henan
Putting the Taihang Grand Canyon and Yin Ruins on the same day would be a bit disjointed. My suggestion is to split them into two days: one for the scenery and one for the history. The Peach Blossom Valley route in the Taihang Grand Canyon is the least strenuous. The stream follows the boardwalk, the water rushing along, and when you get tired, you can take off your shoes and step into the shallow pools – the icy water is incredibly refreshing.
⏰ In the canyon, the light softens after 3 pm, revealing the red textures of the rock walls, making for much better photos than at midday. Yin Ruins is best visited in the morning. 📍 The Tomb of Fu Hao and the chariot and horse pits are must-sees. Standing in front of the bronze artifact in the Yin Ruins Museum, the casting lines from 3,000 years ago are still sharp, and you'll suddenly understand what "the Great Shang Dynasty" truly means.
⚠️ The Yin Ruins entrance fee is not cheap, but you absolutely must rent an audio guide; otherwise, all you'll see are a bunch of pits and patina.
05 Linxia | Gansu
Linxia is further northwest than Lanzhou and more understated than Gannan. The core experience of the Liujiaxia Tourist Resort is watching the Yellow River change from muddy to clear by boat. 📍 The pier is near Taiji Island; both speedboats and pleasure boats are available. I chose the 3 PM speedboat; the wind was strong and the waves were high, so getting splashed in your face was quite an experience. When the boat reached the Bingling Temple area, the Yellow River had turned a vibrant green, like jade, a stark contrast to the muddy waters upstream. The most breathtaking part of the Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area is the Tang Dynasty grottoes behind the Buddha statue. The walkway hugs the cliff edge; those with a fear of heights might feel weak in the knees, but when you look up and see the over 20-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, it's all worth it.
🚄 A round trip by chartered car from Linxia city takes about two hours; it's best to allow at least five hours.
🍜 Back in the city, remember to grab a bowl of riverside noodles. The broth is spicy and flavorful, the noodles are thin yet chewy, and paired with a plate of hand-pulled mutton, it'll wash away all the day's fatigue.
06 Beihai | Guangxi
In September, Weizhou Island is free from the summer crowds. The seawater temperature remains a comfortable 26-27 degrees Celsius—this is how it should be.
🚄 A taxi from Beihai Station to the International Passenger Port takes about 20 minutes. Ferry tickets can be booked three days in advance on the official website. Buy the Beiyou 26 express ferry; the journey takes about an hour and a half. Once on the island, rent a small electric scooter and take a ride along the island's ring road. 📍 The volcanic rock walls of Dripstone Peak are most beautiful at 4 PM when backlit, with water droplets seeping from the rock layers dripping down the vines like a string of transparent wind chimes. The crater trail at Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area is worth completing; the contrast between the black reefs and the blue seawater is extremely striking.
⚠️ To watch the sunrise at Wucaitan (Five-Colored Beach), you need to check the tide table. The sea-eroded platform is only visible at low tide; at high tide, you can only see the waves.
🍜 In the evening, go to Nanwan Street for scallops and oysters. They're 25 yuan a dozen, piled high with garlic and vermicelli—more generous than other shops on the island.
07 Sanming|Fujian
The combination of Taining Ancient City and Dajin Lake is like a package of natural beauty and everyday life. The Danxia landforms on the water at Dajin Lake are unique. Taking a boat trip through the waterways, the red cliffs on both sides look like they've been cleaved by a giant axe. 📍 Ganlu Rock Temple, a temple built into a rock crevice, is supported by a single pillar—the wisdom of the ancients is undeniable.
⏰ The last boat trip is at 2:30 PM. If you miss it, you'll have to hire a speedboat, which costs several times more. A short walk from the shore leads to Taining Ancient City. The city is small but remarkably well-preserved, with firewalls of varying heights lining the cobblestone streets.
🍜 For dinner, find a small eatery near the "Shangshu Residence" in the ancient city. The warm mushroom buns and jade rolls are worth trying. The former has a wrapper made of cudweed, carrying a fresh, rustic aroma, while the latter is a rice flour pancake filled with bamboo shoots and minced meat, topped with a spoonful of chili sauce—very appetizing.
⚠️ The boat trip on Dajin Lake takes about three hours and is suitable for both the elderly and children, but it can be windy on the top deck, so remember to bring a light jacket.
08 Datong | Shanxi
Datong is a seriously underrated gem of a city. Seeing the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple in one day will leave you feeling like you haven't seen enough. Start your day at the Yungang Grottoes. The open-air Buddha in Cave 20 is iconic; standing at its base and looking up, the feeling of gazing across 1500 years is indescribable.
📍 The colorful murals and reliefs inside Caves 5 and 6 are extremely well-preserved. However, the lighting inside is very dim, so don't rush to take photos; appreciate the beauty with your own eyes.
⚠️ Rent an audio guide for the Yungang Grottoes; otherwise, you'll just say "wow" and leave. In the afternoon, head straight to the Hanging Temple. It takes about an hour by chartered car from Datong city. The Hanging Temple has daily visitor limits, so be sure to book your ticket in advance through the official WeChat account. If you only see it from below, you won't experience the thrill of walking along the cliff face.
⏰ After 4 PM, the sunlight casts sideways onto the cliff, creating the temple's shadow on the rock face—the best time for photos. Mount Heng (Northern Peak) is nearby. If you want to climb it, dedicate the entire morning to it. The cable car ride up and the walk down takes about four hours. There are many steps, so those with knee problems should proceed with caution.
🍜 Back in Datong city at night, the Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season under the ancient city wall is worth the queue. The yellow millet rice cake and Hunyuan cold noodles are authentic, and you can eat your fill for around 50 yuan per person.
The point of traveling in September is to see the sights you want to see before the crowds and the chill arrive. Of these eight places, I personally prefer Datong and Yongzhou the most. One is steeped in history, the other tranquil; both are places you'd want to stay for days after visiting. Which one are you planning to go to first? Let me know in the comments.
As soon as September arrives, the summer heat hasn't completely dissipated, but the crowds have already halved. I spent a long time looking at maps and picked out these 8 places that are directly accessible by high-speed rail. They're not crowded, and you don't have to rush, perfect for taking two days off and a leisurely weekend getaway. With mountains, sea, grottoes, ancient villages, and canyons, there's bound to be a place that will satisfy your urge to get out and breathe some fresh air.
01 Yongzhou|Hunan
I would call Shang Gantang Ancient Village "Hunan's most understated Han and Tang dynasty ancient town." 📍 The Buying Bridge at the village entrance has its stone slabs gleaming from countless footsteps. The Xiemu River flows beneath, its waters crystal clear. At 5 PM, the sunlight slants across the old walls, creating warm, yellowish hues in every photo. The Zhou Clan Ancestral Hall in the village still retains its Ming Dynasty structure; you can go inside to see the wood carvings and column bases.
🍜 If you get tired, buy some mugwort cakes from an old lady's stall at the village entrance. They're hot, soft, and chewy, and only three yuan each—much more affordable than those sold in tourist areas.
⚠️ It's recommended to arrive before 10 AM, before the tour groups arrive, so you can practically have the whole ancient alleyway to yourself.
🚄 It's about a 40-minute taxi ride from Yongzhou Station; sharing a ride is even cheaper.
02 Chizhou|Anhui
Jiuhua Mountain isn't just about burning incense and praying; the path on the back mountain is where the real beauty and fewer crowds reside.
⏰ At 6:30 AM, take the shuttle bus from the visitor center up the mountain directly to the Tiantai Scenic Area. The clouds and mist hadn't yet dissipated, and the pine needles on both sides of the stone steps were covered in dew, making it cool to walk on. If you're not in great shape, you don't need to force yourself to climb to the top of Tiantai. The ancient prayer platform halfway up offers a wide view of the sea of clouds. There aren't many worshippers, so you can sit quietly for a while. Don't backtrack on the way down. Walk through the Minyuan Nunnery complex, passing the Phoenix Pine along the way. That pine tree is over 1400 years old, and its posture is truly imposing.
🍜 At noon, find a vegetarian restaurant on Jiuhua Street. The vegetarian platter is all-you-can-eat for 10 yuan per person, and the tofu skin and dried bamboo shoots are even more delicious than the meat.
⚠️ On weekend afternoons after 2 PM, there's a one-hour queue for the cable car up the mountain, so try to go early.
03 Linyi | Shandong
Linyi's combination of activities was brilliant! The morning was spent exploring the underground canyon, and the afternoon, the firefly cave – two different landscapes in one day, ensuring fun for both children and young adults.
📍 The rafting in the underground canyon is a must-do. The rubber raft travels along the dark river, with stalactites brushing against your hair overhead. The entire trip takes about twenty minutes, and the coolness is comparable to an air-conditioned room.
⚠️ The cave floor is slippery; don't wear flip-flops, as the shoe covers rented at the scenic area aren't very slip-resistant. The best time to view the firefly cave is from 2 PM to 4 PM. After the boatman turns off all the lights, the fireflies overhead resemble an inverted galaxy, and at that moment, everyone on the boat falls silent.
🚄 It takes about forty minutes by taxi from Linyi North Station to the scenic area. It's recommended to hire a car for the round trip, as it's difficult to find ride-hailing services there. If time is limited, you can skip Yimeng Mountain, as the canyon and cave are already worthwhile.
04 Anyang | Henan
Putting the Taihang Grand Canyon and Yin Ruins on the same day would be a bit disjointed. My suggestion is to split them into two days: one for the scenery and one for the history. The Peach Blossom Valley route in the Taihang Grand Canyon is the least strenuous. The stream follows the boardwalk, the sound of rushing water is delightful, and when you get tired, you can take off your shoes and step into the shallow pools—the icy water is incredibly refreshing.
⏰ In the canyon, the light softens after 3 pm, revealing the red textures of the rock walls, making for much better photos than at midday. Yin Ruins is best visited in the morning. 📍 The Tomb of Fu Hao and the chariot and horse pits are must-sees. Standing in front of the bronze artifact in the Yin Ruins Museum, the casting lines from 3,000 years ago are still sharp; you'll suddenly understand what "the great Shang Dynasty" means.
⚠️ Yin Ruins tickets are not cheap, but you must rent an audio guide; otherwise, you'll only see a bunch of pits and copper rust.
05 Linxia | Gansu
Linxia is further northwest than Lanzhou, and more understated than Gannan. The core activity at Liujiaxia Tourist Resort is watching the Yellow River transform from murky to clear by boat. The pier is near Taiji Island, and both speedboats and pleasure boats are available. I chose the 3 PM speedboat; the wind was strong and the waves were high, so getting splashed in your face was quite an experience. As the boat traveled towards Bingling Temple, the Yellow River had turned a vibrant green, like jade, a stark contrast to the muddy waters upstream. The most breathtaking part of the Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Site is the Tang Dynasty grottoes behind the Buddha statue. The walkway clings to the cliff edge; those with a fear of heights might feel weak in the knees, but looking up at the over 20-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha makes it all worthwhile.
🚄 A round trip by chartered car from Linxia city takes about two hours; it's best to allow at least five hours.
🍜 Back in the city, remember to try a bowl of riverside noodles. The broth is spicy and flavorful, the noodles are thin yet chewy, and paired with a plate of hand-pulled mutton, it will completely wash away the day's fatigue.
06 Beihai | Guangxi
In September, Weizhou Island is free from the summer crowds, and the seawater temperature remains a comfortable 26-27 degrees Celsius – this is how it should be.
🚄 A taxi from Beihai Station to the International Passenger Port takes about 20 minutes. Ferry tickets should be booked three days in advance on the official website; buy the Beiyou 26 express ferry, which takes about an hour and a half. Once on the island, rent an electric scooter and take a ride along the island's ring road. 📍 The volcanic rock walls of Dripstone Peak are most beautiful at 4 PM when backlit, with water droplets seeping from the rock layers dripping down the vines like a string of transparent wind chimes. The crater trail at Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area is worth completing; the contrast between the black reefs and the blue seawater is extremely striking.
⚠️ To watch the sunrise at Five-Colored Beach, check the tide table. The sea-eroded platform can only be seen at low tide; at high tide, you can only see the waves.
🍜 Went to Nanwan Street for scallops and oysters in the evening, 25 yuan a dozen, generously topped with garlic vermicelli, more substantial than other shops on the island.
07 Sanming|Fujian
The combination of Taining Ancient City and Dajin Lake is like a package of natural beauty and everyday life delivered to you. The Danxia landform on the water at Dajin Lake is unique. Taking a boat trip through the waterways, the red cliffs on both sides look as if cleaved by a giant axe. 📍 Ganlu Rock Temple, a temple built into a rock crevice, is supported by a single pillar; the wisdom of the ancients is undeniable.
⏰ The last boat trip is at 2:30 pm. If you miss it, you'll have to hire a speedboat, which costs several times more. A short walk from the shore is Taining Ancient City. The ancient city is small but remarkably well-preserved, with firewalls of varying heights lining the cobblestone streets.
🍜 For dinner, find a snack shop near the "Shangshu Residence" in the ancient city. The warm mushroom buns and jade rolls are worth trying. The former has a wrapper made of cudweed, with a fresh, rustic aroma, while the latter is a rice flour pancake filled with bamboo shoots and minced meat, topped with a spoonful of chili sauce—very appetizing.
⚠️ The boat tour on Dajin Lake takes about three hours and is suitable for both the elderly and children, but it can be windy on the top deck, so remember to bring a light jacket.
08 Datong | Shanxi
Datong is a seriously underrated treasure city. Seeing the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple in one day will leave you feeling like you haven't seen enough. Start your day at the Yungang Grottoes. The open-air Buddha in Cave 20 is iconic; standing at its base and looking up, the feeling of gazing across 1500 years is indescribable.
📍 The colorful murals and reliefs inside Caves 5 and 6 are extremely well-preserved, but the lighting inside is dim, so don't rush to take photos; appreciate the beauty with your own eyes.
⚠️ Rent an audio guide for the Yungang Grottoes, otherwise you'll just say "wow" and leave. In the afternoon, head straight to the Hanging Temple, about an hour's drive from Datong city. The Hanging Temple has daily visitor limits, so be sure to book your ticket in advance through the official WeChat account. Just looking at it from below won't give you the thrill of walking along the cliff face.
⏰ After 4 PM, the sunlight casts shadows on the cliff face, creating the best photo opportunities. Mount Heng (Northern Peak) is nearby; if you want to climb it, dedicate the whole morning. The cable car up and down takes about four hours, with many steps, so those with knee problems should proceed with caution.
🍜 In the evening, return to Datong city. The Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season near the ancient city wall is worth the wait; the yellow millet cake and Hunyuan cold noodles are authentic, and you can eat your fill for about 50 yuan per person.
The point of traveling in September is to see the sights you want to see before the crowds and the chill arrive. Of these eight places, I personally prefer Datong and Yongzhou the most. One has a rich history, the other a tranquil atmosphere; both are the kind of places you'd want to stay for days after visiting. Which one are you planning to visit first? Let me know in the comments.