National Day getaways from Chongqing: Direct trips just hours away
Don't want to squeeze into Wulong or Hongya Cave during the National Day holiday? Avoid the massive crowds at popular Sichuan-Chongqing attractions! These 4 small cities are within a 2-hour high-speed train ride, offering fewer tourists, affordable prices, and a mix of ancient towns, caves, pastoral landscapes, and Zen scenery. No traffic jams, just a relaxing vacation.
1. Sichuan·Langzhong | Ancient town with feng shui, avoid the Chengdu crowds
Why avoid crowds
One of the most low-key of China's four great ancient towns, located near northern Sichuan, without large tour groups. The ancient town streets are free to explore, with only small attractions charging fees. Prices don't rise much during National Day, making it perfect for a slow stroll through the ancient town and enjoying the night view of the Jialing River.
Transportation
1. High-speed train (recommended): Chongqing West > Langzhong Station, 1 hr 59 mins direct, second-class seat CNY 78, plenty of tickets available for National Day.
2. Driving: About 2.5 hrs from Chongqing, with convenient parking around the ancient town.
3. Local transport: 15-min taxi ride from the high-speed train station to the North Gate of the ancient town; the ancient town is small and walkable.
2-day 1-night itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Langzhong > Lunch with local beef noodles; afternoon exploring Langzhong Ancient Town, strolling freely through the bluestone streets, and climbing Huaguang Tower to overlook the ancient buildings and the Jialing River. In the evening, walk along the Jialing River riverside road, wait for the sunset, and watch the night lights of the ancient town.
Day 2: Visit the Zhang Fei Temple and the Qing Dynasty Examination Hall to experience Three Kingdoms culture and imperial examination history; shop for Zhang Fei beef and Baoning vinegar as souvenirs, then head back in the afternoon.
Must-try food
Langzhong beef noodles, Baoning steamed buns, Zhang Fei beef, beef oil tea, vinegar drinks. Small street shops cost about CNY 50 per person for a full meal.
Accommodation tips
Stay in a guesthouse inside the ancient town if possible, with National Day rates of CNY 200–350. For better value, choose chain hotels outside the ancient town, which are also convenient.
2. Hubei·Lichuan | Natural cool city, dual experience of caves + alpine meadows
Why avoid crowds
Chongqing's backyard, with cool temperatures during National Day, perfectly avoiding the high heat of Chongqing's main city. Features caves and alpine meadows, much quieter than Enshi city center, with fewer tourists, no long queues, and highly photogenic natural scenery.
Transportation
1. High-speed train (recommended): Chongqing North > Lichuan Station, 1 hr 48 mins direct, second-class seat around CNY 80, frequent departures.
2. Driving: About 3 hrs from Chongqing, suitable for connecting multiple attractions.
3. Local transport: 20-min taxi ride from the high-speed train station to Tenglong Cave; driving is recommended for Qiyue Mountain.
2-day 1-night itinerary
Day 1: Upon arrival, head straight to Tenglong Cave, the largest cave in Asia with a constant temperature of 14°C. Be sure to see the laser show + "Yishui Lichuan" live performance, and visit the underground river and Wolong Waterfall. Less climbing, easy and relaxing.
Day 2: Morning visit to Longchuan Water Town, take a boat through the underground cave of Liulian Cave, listen to Tujia folk songs, and enjoy the serene landscape. In the afternoon, drive to Qiyue Mountain, visit the windmill grassland for free, take photos of the "Little Xinjiang" scenery, and head back in the evening.
Must-try food
Hezha hot pot, Boyang dried tofu, Tujia roasted potatoes, Genba stir-fried bacon. Tujia farmhouses cost about CNY 60 per person.
Accommodation tips
Stay in a hotel in Lichuan city for convenience, with National Day rates of only CNY 180–300. For a mountain getaway, choose a guesthouse in Sumadang.
3. Chongqing·Youyang | Real-life Peach Blossom Spring, hidden gem in southeastern Chongqing
Why avoid crowds
A niche treasure in southeastern Chongqing, avoiding the crowded tourist flow of Fenghuang Ancient Town. It has both pastoral landscapes and Wujiang ancient towns, with low commercialization. High-speed train takes exactly 2 hours, no long-distance travel, suitable for a short getaway.
Transportation
1. High-speed train (recommended): Chongqing North Station > Youyang Station, exactly 2 hours direct, multiple trains daily.
2. Driving: Baotou-Maoming Expressway direct, with the option to visit the Wujiang Gallery along the way.
3. Local transport: 3.5 km from the high-speed train station to the Peach Blossom Spring scenic area, a 10-min drive; chartering a car is recommended for Gongtan Ancient Town.
2-day 1-night itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Youyang, visit Youyang Peach Blossom Spring, pass through the ancient cave, and enter the pastoral secret realm of fertile fields and beautiful ponds. Immerse yourself in the world described by Tao Yuanming and wear Hanfu for great photos.
Day 2: Head to Dieshi Flower Valley to visit the karst stone forest; then visit Gongtan Ancient Town, stroll through the old streets with stilt houses along the river, and take a boat tour of the Wujiang Gallery before heading back in the afternoon.
Must-try food
Tujia sour meat, Gongtan mung bean noodles, rice tofu, Tujia cured meat. Small shops in the ancient town are affordable.
Accommodation tips
Choose a guesthouse around Peach Blossom Spring if you want to stay near the scenic area; for river views, stay at a riverside inn in Gongtan Ancient Town. Book in advance to avoid price hikes.
4. Sichuan·Suining | Hometown of Guanyin, uncrowded Zen slow city
Why avoid crowds
A Buddhist-style small city in central Sichuan, almost no tour groups, featuring Zen temples + water towns, with a relaxed pace. Most core attractions are free, prices are very low, suitable for tourists who just want to drink tea, take a walk, and completely relax.
Transportation
1. High-speed train (recommended): Chongqing North > Suining Station, 1 hr 18 mins direct, second-class seat over CNY 50, frequent trains all day, buy and go.
2. Driving: About 2 hours from Chongqing.
3. Local transport: Shared electric scooters are available everywhere in the city, covering Guangde Temple, Longfeng Ancient Town, and Guanyin Lake.
2-day 1-night itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Suining, visit Guangde Temple in the morning, a Ming Dynasty royal Zen forest with red walls and ancient trees, very quiet and photogenic. You can taste the temple's vegetarian food. In the afternoon, visit the free Longfeng Ancient Town, with bluestone streets, small bridges, and flowing water. Sit in a teahouse to drink tea and relax, and visit the ancient town night market in the evening.
Day 2: Walk around Guanyin Lake Wetland Park and enjoy the river breeze. If you have time, you can go to Daying China Dead Sea to experience salt brine floating, then head back in the afternoon.
Must-try food
Guo jelly noodles, Guo Kui with jelly noodles, Feng dumplings, green peppercorn fish. Local breakfast costs about CNY 10 per person.
Accommodation tips
Chain hotels in the old town of Chuanshan District offer the best value, with National Day rates of CNY 150–280. If you want to stay in the ancient town, choose an affordable inn in Longfeng Ancient Town.
Summary
✅ Cultural ancient town slow travel: Choose Langzhong
✅ Landscape cave summer retreat: Choose Lichuan
✅ Pastoral ancient town landscape route: Choose Youyang
✅ Buddhist-style relaxing leisure trip: Choose Suining
All 4 cities are within a 2-hour high-speed train circle from Chongqing. Travel in the opposite direction during National Day to avoid the massive crowds, enjoy affordable food and accommodation, and have a relaxing trip without rushing!