8 off-the-beaten-path routes to avoid crowds – personally tested and foolproof!

01 Shaoguan | Guangdong Danxia Mountain is best visited between August and October. Entering the mountain at 6:30 AM, the Yangyuan Stone viewing platform was almost deserted; the morning mist hadn't yet dissipated, and the red rock walls were bathed in warm orange light. I stayed in Qinghutang Village outside the scenic area that time, only a ten-minute walk from the mountain gate, saving forty minutes of driving time compared to staying in the city. ⏰ Don't rush off after 4 PM. The sunset viewing platform at Elder Peak is the highlight; the setting sun casts its glow on Sleeping Beauty Peak, making the entire mountain appear ablaze with red. ⚠️ Note that the last shuttle bus departs at 6:30 PM. Plan your time carefully after watching the sunset, otherwise you'll have to walk back to the entrance in the dark. I bought a two-day pass; the first day was spent hiking Yangyuan Mountain, and the second day climbing Elder Peak—a perfect pace that wasn't too tiring. 🍜 At the foot of the mountain, there's a farmhouse restaurant. Order the Danxia Mountain tofu; it's so smooth and tender it doesn't even taste like tofu. Paired with braised duck and dried bamboo shoots, it's so delicious you could easily eat two bowls of rice. 02 Haidong|Qinghai You can visit the Huzhu Tu Ethnic Homeland Park and Youning Temple in one day, but don't go in the wrong order. Go to the Homeland Park first. There's a Tu ethnic wedding performance at 10 am, which is very engaging; they'll even pull you into dancing and spinning around. Then go to Youning Temple in the afternoon to avoid the peak tourist season. When the temple is quiet, it truly feels like a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. 📍 From Xining, take the Ninghu Expressway; it's only 40 minutes to Huzhu County. The road conditions are good throughout, even for novice drivers. ⚠️ Youning Temple doesn't charge an entrance fee, but photography is prohibited inside the main hall. Please don't hold up your phone. ⏰ From late August to early September, the barley fields around the county are golden yellow, making for even better photos than inside the scenic spots. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Huzhu County. Hanting and Ji Hotel both have options, costing just over 200 yuan a night, cheaper than in Xining city. It's also convenient for visiting Shierpanpo the next day. 🍜 Among the Tu ethnic cuisine, "Dog Pee Cake" sounds outrageous, but it's surprisingly delicious with milk tea. The crust is crispy with a slightly alkaline taste and definitely worth trying. 03 Beihai | Guangdong Weizhou Island and Beihai city offer completely different experiences, so don't mix them. Stay at least one night on Weizhou Island. I stayed in a guesthouse on Nanwan Street; the sea was right outside my window. The bar downstairs had music until 11 pm. If you prefer quieter places, choose a guesthouse near Dishui Danping. ⏰ The best time to visit the island is around 6 am. The Crocodile Mountain crater is almost deserted, and the sound of the volcanic rocks crashing against the waves is incredibly soothing. The next morning, visit the Catholic Church. The old coral rock walls have a yellowish hue under the light, making for great photos, but don't linger too long; tour groups start arriving after 9 am. ⚠️ Always check the brakes when renting electric bikes on the island. The ring road has many slopes, and a fall could be serious. Back in Beihai city, the sand on Silver Beach is incredibly fine, like flour underfoot, but avoid going at midday as it will be scorching hot to walk on barefoot. 🚄 A taxi ride from Beihai Railway Station to the International Passenger Port takes about 15 minutes. Buy your ferry tickets one day in advance through their official WeChat account; a standard cabin costs 150 yuan. If the waves are high, take seasickness medication half an hour beforehand. 🍜 The shrimp cakes in Beihai Old Street are best when freshly fried—crispy shells encasing whole small shrimp—and cost 5 yuan each. 04 Zhoukou|Henan The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum and Taiqing Palace are suitable for those interested in history and culture; a cursory visit will be boring. The Wuchao Gate of the Fuxi Mausoleum is an original Ming Dynasty structure with layers of brackets under the eaves, making it more interesting than many renovated tourist attractions. ⏰ I recommend visiting Fuxi Mausoleum in the morning, which takes about two hours. Have lunch in Huaiyang city with a bowl of spicy soup and fried dough sticks, then head to Taiqing Palace in the afternoon. Taiqing Palace is located in Luyi County, a 50-minute drive from Huaiyang. The road is mostly flat and not particularly scenic, but the fact that it's the birthplace of Lao Tzu makes it worth the trip. 📍 The Taiji Hall in the backyard of Taiqing Palace has faded painted beams and pillars, which adds to its charm. ⚠️ There are many vendors selling incense and candles around both scenic spots. Don't approach them unless you need them, or they'll follow you. 🚄 There's a high-speed train at Zhoukou East Station, but it's actually quite far from the city center. I took a taxi, which took about 40 minutes and cost around 60 yuan. 🍜 The Dazha Road night market in Zhoukou city center is famous for its grilled gluten and fried skewers, a staple for locals. You can eat your fill for about 20 yuan per person. 05 Longnan | Gansu The waters of Tianchi Lake and Guange Valley in Wenxian County are at their best from August to October. Tianchi Lake, nestled high in the mountains, has a deep blue-green hue, like an emerald set among the peaks. ⏰ Entering the scenic area at 8 AM, the lake is still calm, and the reflections are so clear they resemble a double mirror. By 10:30 AM, when the tour bus arrives, it's packed with people. It takes about two hours to drive there from Longnan city, with the last stretch being a winding mountain road; those prone to motion sickness should bring medication. ⚠️ There are no restaurants within the Tianchi scenic area; bring your own food or eat in Wenxian county town after descending the mountain. The entrance fee to Guange Valley includes a sightseeing bus, which is a must, as the walking trail is very long. 📍 The section from the valley entrance to Tongtianmen is the most comfortable for hiking. The boardwalk follows the stream, and the sound of the water drowns out all distractions. Visiting in early October, the mountains are ablaze with the changing colors of yellow oak and red birch, and there are far fewer people than in Jiuzhaigou. For accommodation, I recommend Dangchang County town. It's around 150 RMB per night, and the conditions are better than inside the scenic area. 🍜 Longnan's potato dumplings (yangyu jiaotuan) are sticky and chewy, topped with sauerkraut sauce—appetizing and filling, definitely worth trying. 06 Zhoushan|Zhejiang Putuoshan, Gouqi Island, and Shengsi Islands are all options, but trying to do them all in one trip will be exhausting. If you only want to visit Putuoshan, two days are enough. On the first day, visit Zizhulin and the South Sea Guanyin statue. On the second day, go to Foding Mountain early in the morning, taking the cable car up and walking down—the whole trip takes three hours. ⏰ The most breathtaking moment on the island is at 4:30 AM at Baibu Beach to watch the sunrise. The sun jumps over the horizon, turning the entire sea golden. After watching, go back to the hotel for a nap. Choose accommodation near the Putuoshan pier for convenient luggage storage on the first day. Gouqi Island and Shengsi Islands are on a different route; it takes four hours by boat from Zhujiajian. Don't push yourself if you get seasick. ⚠️ Dawang Beach on Gouqi Island is currently under renovation, making the swimming experience less pleasant. Go directly to Longquan Beach; it's less crowded and the sand is finer. 🍜 Swimming crabs in Shengsi are at their fattest after the fishing season opens in September. Steaming is the best way to enjoy them; they cost around 40-50 yuan each at the roadside stalls near the pier. 🚄 If you're departing from Shanghai, there are combined bus and ferry tickets at the Nanpu Bridge Passenger Terminal, directly to Shengsi, which is closer than going through Zhoushan. 07 Wuhu|Anhui Fantawild Adventure Park, to be honest, is more suitable for families with children or first-time theme park visitors. Of the three parks, I prefer Dream Kingdom; the rides aren't as thrilling, but the immersive experience is stronger. ⏰ Go straight for Nuwa Mending the Sky when the park opens in the morning; the queue is less than 20 minutes. In the afternoon, the wait for this ride is at least an hour. ⚠️ Don't buy the raincoats from the vendors at the entrance; they're ten yuan each and as thin as paper. Rent them inside the ride areas for only 15 yuan each, and the quality is much better. For accommodation, stay at a hotel opposite Fantawild Adventure, a five-minute walk from the park. This way, you won't have to squeeze onto crowded buses after watching the fireworks show. 🚄 A taxi from Wuhu Station costs about 25 yuan, or you can take the Tourist Bus No. 1 directly. Going between August and October is best; the daytime sun can be strong, but the park has plenty of greenery and sunshades, making the parade after 5:30 PM the most comfortable. 🍜 After leaving the park, a ten-minute taxi ride will take you to Wanda Plaza. The local Wuhu red-skinned duck has crispy skin and tender meat, topped with a sweet sauce—more to my liking than Peking duck. 08 Nanping | Fujian Wuyishan is at its most beautiful from August to October. A rafting trip on the Nine Bend Stream is a must; the bamboo rafts glide through the green waters, with the Danxia landforms unfolding like a scroll painting on both sides. ⏰ Choose the first rafting trip in the morning, the 7:30 AM one. The water is calm, the mist hasn't dissipated yet, and you can hear birds chirping. After 9 AM, tour groups arrive, and the rafts are crowded together, making the experience much worse. ⚠️ Bamboo raft tickets need to be booked three days in advance through their official WeChat account; buying them on-site is almost impossible. Tickets are 130 yuan per person. A 20 yuan tip for the raft operator will make the trip slower and provide a more detailed explanation. Visit Tianyou Peak in the afternoon; the morning light is too dim for photos. 📍 There's a tea pavilion at the trailhead. Sit down and have a cup of Da Hong Pao tea for 40 yuan—expensive, but refreshing. For accommodation, I recommend the Sangu Resort Area; guesthouses range from 150 to 200 yuan per night, and the ground floor is full of restaurants and tea shops. 🍜 Wuyishan's Langu smoked goose has a strong smoky flavor and is incredibly spicy. Pair it with a bowl of osmanthus and white lotus seed soup dumplings—perfect for cooling down. 🚄 There's a direct bus from Nanping Station to the scenic area, taking 40 minutes, or about 60 yuan by taxi. Of these eight places, I'm most drawn to Longnan and Wuyishan. One is pristine, the other more developed, but both offer their best views between August and October. Which one do you plan to visit first? Let's chat in the comments, maybe we can team up! 01 Shaoguan|Guangdong Danxia Mountain is most comfortable to visit between August and October. Entering the mountain at 6:30 am, the Yangyuan Stone viewing platform was almost deserted; the morning mist hadn't yet dissipated, and the red rock walls were bathed in warm orange light. I stayed in Qinghutang Village outside the scenic area that time, only a ten-minute walk from the mountain gate, saving forty minutes of driving time compared to staying in the city. ⏰ Don't rush off after 4 pm. The sunset viewing platform at Elder Peak is the highlight; the setting sun shines on Sleeping Beauty Peak, making the entire mountain look like it's on fire. ⚠️ Note that the last shuttle bus to the scenic area departs at 6:30 PM. Plan your time carefully after watching the sunset, otherwise you'll have to walk back to the entrance in the dark. I bought a two-day pass; the first day I hiked Yangyuan Mountain, and the second day I climbed Elder Peak – a perfect pace that wasn't too tiring. 🍜 There's a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain. Order the Danxia Mountain tofu; it's so smooth and tender it doesn't even taste like tofu! Paired with braised duck with dried bamboo shoots, I could easily eat two bowls of rice. 02 Haidong|Qinghai You can visit the Huzhu Tu Ethnic Homeland Park and Youning Temple in one day, but don't do it in the wrong order. Go to the Homeland Park first; there's a Tu ethnic wedding performance at 10 AM, which is very engaging and will invite you to dance and spin around. Then go to Youning Temple in the afternoon to avoid the peak tourist season. The temple is quieter then, truly resembling a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. 📍 From Xining, take the Ninghu Expressway; it only takes about 40 minutes to reach Huzhu County. The road conditions are good throughout, even for novice drivers. ⚠️ Youning Temple has no entrance fee, but photography is prohibited inside the main hall; please do not use your phone. ⏰ From late August to early September, the barley fields around the county town are golden yellow, offering even better photo opportunities than the tourist attractions. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Huzhu County. Hanting and Ji Hotel both have options, costing just over 200 yuan per night, cheaper than in Xining city. It's also conveniently located on the way to Shierpanpo the next day. 🍜 Among the Tu ethnic cuisine, "Dog Pee Cake" sounds outrageous, but it's surprisingly delicious with milk tea. The crust is crispy with a slightly alkaline taste and definitely worth trying. 03 Beihai|Guangdong Weizhou Island and Beihai city offer completely different experiences; don't mix them. Stay at least one night on Weizhou Island. I stayed in a guesthouse on Nanwan Street; the sea was right outside my window. There was a bar downstairs with music playing until 11 pm. If you prefer quieter accommodations near Dishui Danping, choose one from there. ⏰ The best time to visit the island is around 6 AM. The Crocodile Mountain crater is almost deserted, and the sound of the volcanic rocks crashing against the waves is incredibly soothing. The next morning, visit the Catholic Church. The old coral rock walls glow a pale yellow in the light, making for great photos, but don't linger too long; tour groups start arriving after 9 AM. ⚠️ When renting an electric scooter on the island, be sure to check the brakes. The ring road has many slopes, and a fall could be serious. Back in Beihai city, the sand on Silver Beach is incredibly fine, like flour underfoot, but avoid going at midday as it will be scorching hot to walk on barefoot. 🚄 A taxi from Beihai Station to the International Passenger Port takes about 15 minutes. Buy ferry tickets one day in advance through their official WeChat account. A standard cabin costs 150 yuan. If the waves are high, take seasickness medication half an hour beforehand. 🍜 The shrimp cakes in Beihai Old Street are best when freshly fried. A crispy shell encases a whole small shrimp, and they cost 5 yuan each. 04 Zhoukou | Henan The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum and Taiqing Palace are suitable for those interested in humanities and history; a cursory visit will be boring. The Wuchao Gate of the Fuxi Mausoleum is an original Ming Dynasty structure, with layers of brackets under the eaves, making it more interesting than many renovated tourist attractions. ⏰ It is recommended to visit the Fuxi Mausoleum in the morning, spending about two hours there. Have lunch in Huaiyang city with a bowl of spicy soup and fried dough sticks, then visit Taiqing Palace in the afternoon. Taiqing Palace is located in Luyi County, a 50-minute drive from Huaiyang. The road is flat and not particularly scenic, but the fact that it is the birthplace of Laozi makes the trip worthwhile. 📍 The Taiji Hall in the backyard of Taiqing Palace has faded painted beams and pillars, which adds to its charm. ⚠️ There are many vendors selling incense and candles around both scenic spots. If you don't need them, don't approach them, or they will follow you. 🚄 There's a high-speed train at Zhoukou East Station, but it's actually quite far from the city center. I took a taxi directly, which took about 40 minutes and cost around 60 yuan to Huaiyang. 🍜 At the Dazha Road night market in Zhoukou city, grilled gluten and fried skewers are the mainstays of local late-night snacks; you can eat your fill for about 20 yuan per person. 05 Longnan|Gansu The water quality at Tianchi Lake and Guange Valley in Wenxian County is at its best from August to October. Tianchi Lake is hidden high in the mountains, its water a deep blue-green, like an emerald set among the peaks. ⏰ I entered the scenic area at 8 am; the lake was still calm, and the reflections were so clear they looked like double-sided mirrors. By 10:30 am, when the tour bus arrived, it was packed with people. It takes about two hours to drive there from Longnan city, with the last stretch being a winding mountain road; those prone to motion sickness should bring medication. ⚠️ There are no restaurants inside the Tianchi scenic area; bring your own food, or eat in Wenxian County after descending the mountain. The entrance fee to Guange Valley includes a sightseeing bus, which is a must-take because the walking trail is very long. 📍 The section from the valley entrance to Tongtianmen is the most comfortable for hiking. The boardwalk is built along the stream, and the sound of the water drowns out all distractions. Go in early October, and the mountains are ablaze with the changing colors of yellow oak and red birch, and it's much less crowded than Jiuzhaigou. For accommodation, I recommend Dangchang County; it's around 150 yuan per night, and the conditions are better than inside the scenic area. 🍜 Longnan's potato dumplings are sticky and chewy, topped with sauerkraut sauce—appetizing and filling, definitely worth trying. 06 Zhoushan|Zhejiang Putuoshan, Gouqi Island, and Shengsi Islands—you can choose any of them, but trying to do them all in one trip will be exhausting. If you only want to visit Putuoshan, two days are enough. On the first day, visit Zizhulin and the South Sea Guanyin statue. On the second day, go to Foding Mountain early in the morning, taking the cable car up and walking down—the whole trip takes about three hours. ⏰ The most breathtaking moment on the island is at 4:30 AM, watching the sunrise at Baibu Beach. The sun leaps from the horizon, turning the entire sea golden. After watching, head back to the hotel for a nap. We chose accommodation near Putuoshan Wharf for convenient luggage storage on the first day. Gouqi Island and Shengsi Islands are on a different route; the ferry from Zhujiajian takes four hours, so don't force yourself if you get seasick. ⚠️ Dawang Beach on Gouqi Island is currently under renovation, making swimming less enjoyable. Go directly to Longquan Beach; it's less crowded and the sand is finer. 🍜 Shengsi's swimming crabs are fattest after the fishing season opens in September. Steaming is the best way to enjoy their freshness; they cost around 40-50 yuan each at the roadside stalls near the wharf. 🚄 If departing from Shanghai, there are combined bus and ferry tickets at Nanpu Bridge Passenger Terminal directly to Shengsi, which is closer than going through Zhoushan. 07 Wuhu|Anhui Fantawild Adventure Park, frankly, is more suitable for families with children or first-time theme park visitors. Of the three parks, I preferred Fantawild Kingdom. The rides weren't as thrilling, but the immersive experience was much better. ⏰ I went straight for Nuwa Mending the Sky as soon as the park opened in the morning; the queue was less than 20 minutes. In the afternoon, the wait for this ride was at least an hour. ⚠️ Don't buy the raincoats from the vendors at the entrance; they're paper-thin for 10 yuan. Rent them inside the ride area for only 15 yuan, and the quality is much better. For accommodation, stay at a hotel opposite Fantawild; it's a 5-minute walk to the park, so you don't have to squeeze onto the bus after watching the fireworks show in the evening. 🚄 A taxi from Wuhu Station costs about 25 yuan, or you can take the Tourist Bus No. 1 directly. Go between August and October; the sun is still strong during the day, but there's plenty of greenery and sunshades in the park, making the parade after 5:30 pm the most comfortable. 🍜 After leaving the park, take a 10-minute taxi to Wanda Plaza. The local Wuhu red-skinned duck has crispy skin and tender meat, topped with a sweet sauce—it's more to my liking than Peking duck. 08 Nanping | Fujian Wuyishan is at its most beautiful from August to October. A rafting trip on the Nine Bend Stream is a must. Bamboo rafts glide through the emerald waters, with the Danxia landforms unfolding like a scroll painting on both banks. ⏰ Choose the first rafting trip in the morning, the 7:30 AM trip. The water is calm, the mist hasn't dissipated yet, and you can hear birds chirping. After 9:00 AM, tour groups arrive, and the rafts are crowded together, making the experience much worse. ⚠️ Bamboo raft tickets must be booked three days in advance through their official WeChat account. Buying them on-site is almost impossible. The ticket price is 130 yuan per person. A 20 yuan tip for the raft operator will make the rafting slower and provide more detailed explanations. Visit Tianyou Peak in the afternoon; the morning light is too dim for photos. 📍 There's a tea pavilion at the trailhead. Sit down and have a cup of Da Hong Pao tea for 40 yuan—expensive, but refreshing. For accommodation, I recommend the Sangu Resort Area. Guesthouses range from 150 to 200 yuan per night, and the downstairs are full of restaurants and tea shops. 🍜 The smoked goose from Langu in Wuyishan is intensely smoky and incredibly spicy. Pair it with a bowl of sweet osmanthus and white lotus seed soup to perfectly balance the spiciness. 🚄 There's a direct bus line from Nanping Station to the scenic area, a 40-minute ride, or a taxi for about 60 yuan. Of these eight places, I'm most drawn to Longnan and Wuyishan. One is pristine, the other more developed, but both offer their best scenery between August and October. Which one do you plan to visit first? Let's chat in the comments, maybe we can team up!