2026 Dongxing Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Dear friends! Looking for a warm place to have fun this winter? Don’t miss this 8-day budget-friendly and hassle-free Vietnam itinerary! Check in at Ho Chi Minh City, the Paris of the East, relax at the red and white sand dunes of Mui Ne, roam around Ha Long Bay... Enjoy special seafood meals, fruit meals on the boat, and amazing baguettes with mango and jackfruit. Save it now! · ------- Carefully crafted tips, 👇scroll down to unlock new ways to play~ · ------- 📒 Suggested itinerary: Day 1: Qing Dynasty No.1 Boundary Marker — Border Road Zero Monument — Bamboo Mountain Ancient Street — Bamboo Mountain Scenic Area Explore the China-Vietnam border, feel the blend of history and culture, check in at boundary markers and ancient streets, and create unique memories📷. Day 2: Ha Long Bay — Incense Burner Rock — Fighting Cock Rock — Paradise Island — Cave Passage Take a redwood boat to overlook the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, check in at the spectacular sea karst formations, stroll around Paradise Island, and enjoy the beauty of nature🌊. Day 3: Ba Dinh Square — Ho Chi Minh’s Former Residence — Hanoi Old Quarter — St. Joseph’s Cathedral — Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — West Lake, Hanoi Check in at Ho Chi Minh City, the Paris of the East, stroll through Hanoi Old Quarter, visit the century-old cathedral, and experience French charm🏛️. Days 4-5: Coral Island — Nha Trang Beach — Po Nagar Cham Towers — Nha Trang Cathedral — White Sand Dunes Privately enjoy the white sandy beaches of Pearl Island in Nha Trang, visit Lion Island, check in at Po Nagar Cham Towers, relax at the red and white sand dunes of Mui Ne🏖️, and savor special seafood meals🦞. Day 6: Mui Ne Fishing Village — Red Sand Dunes Take a walk in Mui Ne Fishing Village, experience fishermen’s life, relax at the red sand dunes, and feel the meeting of desert and ocean🏜️. Don’t miss the fruit meal on the boat🍉. Days 7-8: War Remnants Museum — Ha Long Bay (Return) Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam’s history, then head to Ha Long Bay to enjoy baguettes🥖, mangoes🥭, and jackfruit🍍. Finally, complete your departure procedures at Ha Long Bay Airport and end your wonderful Vietnam trip✈️. · ------- Must-visit attractions: 🌊 Ha Long Bay 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Vietnam ⏰ Opening hours: Open all day ⏳ Recommended duration: 1-2 days 💬 Known as the "Guilin on the sea," with countless uniquely shaped stones standing on the water, breathtakingly beautiful! 🏰 St. Joseph’s Cathedral 🌟🌟🌟 Address: 1 P. Nhà Thờ, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam ⏰ Opening hours: 08:00-11:00, 14:00-17:00 ⏳ Recommended duration: 1-2 hours 💬 Gothic architecture from the Middle Ages, intricately beautiful inside, worth a visit! 🏖️ Nha Trang Beach 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam ⏰ Opening hours: Open all day ⏳ Recommended duration: 2-3 hours 💬 Coconut groves, blue sea and sky, fresh air all around, stunning scenery! 🛕 Po Nagar Cham Towers 🌟🌟🌟 Address: 61 Hai Tháng Tư, Vĩnh Phước, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa 650000, Vietnam ⏰ Opening hours: 06:00-17:30 ⏳ Recommended duration: 1 hour 💬 Spectacular three-tier tower complex, main tower 25 meters high, a sacred place protecting southern deities! · ------- 🌐 Pre-trip essentials: Complete checklist for traveling in Vietnam in December, all in one article! 📱📶 SIM card: Buy a Vietnam data SIM card in advance, ready to use upon arrival, avoid expensive roaming fees! 🔌💡 Plug adapter: Vietnam uses European standard two-round-pin plugs, bring an adapter for worry-free charging! 🪪📄 Documents: Passport + visa + ID card, keep copies separately, very important for emergencies! 👗🧥 Clothing: December in Vietnam is cool in the mornings and evenings, bring a light jacket and long pants, don’t forget sun protection clothes and swimwear! 🔋📱 Chargers: Phone, camera, power bank, all cables ready, keep shooting while traveling without power worries! 💊🧴 Medicines & essentials: Stomach medicine + mosquito repellent + sunscreen, small items solve big problems! 💵💳 Cash & cards: Vietnamese dong cash + international credit cards, cash is more convenient for small stalls and shops! · ------- Friends, follow this guide to have an amazing travel experience, start your journey now!

Fangchenggang Cocotou Seaview Homestay Accommodation Guide 🌊 Nearby Attractions · Bailang Beach: A 10-minute walk from the homestay, this beach stretches for several kilometers with fine sand. The sea breeze in November is refreshing, perfect for wading, playing in the sand, and watching the sunrise. The evening glow is incredibly soothing. · Strange Rock Beach: About a 15-minute drive away, this beach features uniquely shaped rocks formed by marine erosion, making it an excellent spot for sunset and rock photography with a great atmosphere. · Dongxing Port: About a 1-hour drive, this distinctive China-Vietnam border port offers an exotic street to explore, where you can buy Vietnamese specialty products and experience the fun of cross-border cultural fusion. · Wanwei Golden Beach: About a 1-hour drive, this beach has golden sand and clear water. You can enjoy jet skiing, beach camping, and admire the beautiful seaside sunset. 🚗 Transportation Guide · Self-driving: About a 2.5-hour drive from Nanning. Navigate to "Fangchenggang Cocotou Seaview Homestay." Enjoy coastal highway scenery along the way. The homestay provides free parking. · Public Transport: Take the high-speed train to Fangchenggang North Station, then a taxi to the homestay for about 30 minutes (around 50 RMB); alternatively, take bus No. 6 from the North Station to Bailang Beach stop, then walk 15 minutes to the homestay, which is cost-effective. 🍤 Food Recommendations · Seafood Feast: The signature dish at the nearby "Seaside Family Seafood Stall" features fresh seafood like lobster, crab, and mantis shrimp, spicy and flavorful, about 120 RMB per person. · Sandworm Congee: A specialty at "Old Fisherman Seafood Congee Shop," with chewy sandworm meat and fresh, rich congee, served with fried dough sticks, warm and comforting, about 40 RMB per person. · Vietnamese Rice Rolls: Small stalls near Dongxing Port serve thin rice sheets wrapped with wood ear mushrooms and minced meat, drizzled with a secret sauce, refreshing and appetizing, 5 RMB per serving. · Grilled Squid: Barbecue stalls by Bailang Beach grill freshly caught squid brushed with garlic sauce, fragrant with a crispy outside and tender inside, 20 RMB per skewer. 😊 Homestay Features · Accommodation Environment: Featuring "Instagram-style seaview rooms," each room has an extra-large viewing balcony with a window opening directly to the blue sea. Some room types include bathtubs for soaking while enjoying the sea view. · Experience Activities: The homestay offers beach camping equipment rental, sea fishing booking services, and can organize beach bonfire parties (advance booking required) for a full atmosphere. · Thoughtful Services: Free breakfast is provided (freshly made seafood congee and sandwiches). The housekeeper recommends hidden scenic spots and cost-effective seafood stalls and can help process seafood.

visa: Direct flights to Phu Quoc Island are visa-free But we don't have direct flights. So we passed through Dongxing Port. I applied for a separate paper visa online in advance Then we chartered a car to Haiphong after crossing the port From Haiphong to Phu Quoc Island, 2 hours by plane Attractions: ①The world's longest cross-sea cable car Operating hours: 9:30-11:00 and 13:30-17:00 It is closed during the noon time. The end of the cable car is Xiangdao Park, which has an amusement park and a water park. The cable car and Xiangdao Paradise tickets are included ②Sunset Town Small houses with various dopamine colors The cross-sea cable car is in the sunset town. You can arrange to watch and play together ③Kissing Bridge There will be a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. You don't need to buy a ticket to enter You can see the fireworks from the ticket office ④King Kong Supermarket Local supermarkets in Phu Quoc Island You can buy a variety of authentic Vietnamese specialties ⑤Loca A handmade cultural and creative souvenir shop There are refrigerator magnets, aromatherapy, cloth bags, etc. There are also coconut bowls printed with Phu Quoc Island They are all souvenirs with Vietnamese characteristics ⑥ Arrange a sea trip Watch starfish, eat seafood, snorkel, marine activities The happiness level in Phu Quoc Island is really high! I live in a resort where I can see the sea as soon as I open my eyes, and I have started living the life of daydreaming and drinking beer on the beach! I will definitely come back again! (Grey Wolf style yelling)

Hi everyone! Here's a must-have guide for your 4-day trip from Guangxi Nanning to Vietnam Ha Long Bay. Discover new experiences and mysterious landscapes. These are all popular destinations! · ------------------- 📌 Itinerary suggestions: DAY 1: Seven-Color Bay On this day, we'll explore the secrets of Seven-Color Bay 🌸. Walk along the trail and marvel at the wonders of nature. DAY 2: Ha Long Bay - Incense Burner Rock - Fighting Cock Rock - Thien Cung Cave - Paradise Island 🚣‍♀️ Now, our exploration journey begins! Depart from Ha Long Bay, visit Incense Burner Rock, Fighting Cock Rock, pass through the mysterious cave, and finally arrive at Paradise Island. Every stop is a surprise, and every stop is a new discovery. DAY 3: Ba Dinh Square - Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hoan Kiem Lake - Thirty-Six Streets - Hanoi Cathedral 🏛 On this day, we'll visit Ba Dinh Square, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hoan Kiem Lake, stroll along Thirty-Six Streets, and experience the tranquility and solemnity of Hanoi Cathedral. This is the charm of Vietnam. DAY 4: Ha Long - Border - Nanning 🚙 Farewell to Ha Long Bay, we'll arrive at the border, complete the departure procedures, and embark on the journey back. Return to Nanning and experience the different city scenery and cultural atmosphere. · ------------------- 💼 Travel preparation: 👗 Clothing: The weather in Nanning is relatively warm, and the temperature in Ha Long Bay is also suitable. Remember to bring some spring short sleeves, long-sleeved jackets, windproof and sunscreen hats and shoes. Summer shorts and sandals can also be prepared, because you may want to go to the beach. 🎒 Accessories: Bring sunscreen to avoid strong sunlight from damaging your skin. Mosquito repellent is also a must-have, as there are many mosquitoes in tropical areas. In addition, remember to bring sunglasses and a sun hat to protect your eyesight and skin. 📷 Electrical appliances: Of course, remember to bring your camera! The scenery there is breathtaking, and you'll want to capture every moment. Also, don't forget to bring your charger and adapter to prevent your battery from running out. 💳 Documents: You must bring your passport, which is your document for international travel. You should also bring your relevant visa and ID card, as you may need to show them at the airport or border. 💊 Medicines: To ensure a smooth trip, health is important. Bring your usual cold medicine, painkillers, bandages, and digestive tablets in case of emergency, so that your trip will be worry-free. · ------------------- In this way, the journey from Guangxi Nanning to Vietnam Ha Long Bay will light up the little stars in your heart, take you to a distant place, and meet the unknown yourself. 🌟

Hey guys, here's a 4-day Vietnam itinerary! This guide covers all the must-see attractions in Vietnam. Save it now! / Vietnam, a shining pearl of Southeast Asia🌏, borders China to the north and the South China Sea to the south. With a long history and unique culture, it is known as the "Kingdom of Motorcycles"🏍️. Don't miss the bustling Ho Chi Minh City and the magnificent Ha Long Bay🌊! / 🌟Itinerary: Day 1: Vung Vieng Fishing Village Visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village to experience the magical colors of nature and enjoy a day of peace and beauty. Day 2: Ha Long Bay - Surprise Cave - Ti Top Island Enjoy the stunning sea views of Ha Long Bay, explore the mysterious wonders of Surprise Cave, and climb Ti Top Island to enjoy the breathtaking views. Day 3: Ba Dinh Square - Hoan Kiem Lake - Old Quarter - St. Joseph's Cathedral Stroll through Ba Dinh Square to experience the historical atmosphere of Vietnam, visit Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery, explore the Old Quarter to experience the local life, and finally visit St. Joseph's Cathedral to admire the solemn and sacred architecture. Day 4: Ha Long - Border - Return Depart from Ha Long, pass through the border, and end your wonderful trip to Vietnam. / Travel Essentials: 📞 A Vietnam SIM card for easy communication and internet access. 🔌 Bring a plug adapter (German two-pin) for different sockets. 🪪 Prepare your passport and visa for a hassle-free entry. 👕 The weather in Vietnam is mild in February, so short sleeves, long pants, and a sun-protective jacket are enough. 🔋 Chargers and power banks to keep your phone charged. / Don't miss the chance to experience the exotic charm of Vietnam! We look forward to your next exciting journey!🌴✨

Day 1: Exit from Dongxing Port and enter Vietnam through Mong Cai Port, then take a nine-seater commercial vehicle to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Visit: Hoan Kiem Lake - 36 Lines Street - St. Joseph's Church - Train Street Accommodation: Hanoi City Day 2: Hanoi ✈️ Ho Chi Minh City, flight time 2 hours and 15 minutes. Vietnam Airlines does not have a luggage limit. Each person can bring a 7KG carry-on luggage, and it is enough to bring just a change of clothes and luggage. Also, Vietnam Airlines has a very low punctuality rate, but we did not experience this problem on several of our flights. Visit: Pink Church 💒——Red Church⛪️——Saigon Central Post Office——Pham Ngu Lao Street Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh City Day3: Ho Chi Minh City 🚍 Mui Ne, 3.5 hours by car, but arrive at the starting point half an hour in advance. To purchase tickets, you can add "Qingyoutang" in the WeChat mini program to purchase tickets online and select seats online. Visit: White Sand Dunes, Red Sand Dunes, Small Fishing Village (4-5 hours in total). You can make reservations online, and the hotel front desk can also help you book itineraries at prices that are cheaper than online. Accommodation: Mui Ne Day 4: Return from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City ✈️ Da Nang Visit: Small fishing village, the effect of taking photos in different time periods is different. The fishing port is particularly lively in the morning, and there are fresh seafood for sale. It was just in time to head back to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch. Accommodation: Da Nang (My Khe Beach) Day 5: Da Nang 🚘 Hoi An Ancient Town, the drive from Da Nang to Hoi An Ancient Town takes about 45 minutes, and the arrival time is just around 4 pm. Sightseeing: Take a coconut boat (45 minutes) - Hoi An Ancient Town - Japanese Bridge - Take a lantern boat (20 minutes). Accommodation: Da Nang (My Khe Beach) Day6: Da Nang Visit: Han Market (Local Products Wholesale Market) - Da Nang Pink Church - Cham Museum - Dragon Bridge - Son Tra Night Market Accommodation: Da Nang (My Khe Beach) Day7: Da Nang Visit: One-day tour to Bana Hills. It is recommended to check the weather. If the weather is bad, it will be difficult to take photos on the mountain, and the temperature difference is large. If the weather is bad, you can choose to go to Son Tra Peninsula, drink coffee facing the sea☕️ and watch a sunset. Accommodation: Da Nang (My Khe Beach) Day8: Da Nang ✈️ Hanoi, Hanoi 🚍 Mong Cai Port, queue up to exit, enter the country from Dongxing Port.

Fly directly from Nanning, Guangxi to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, a new choice for family travel! Ba Dinh Square and the Military Museum allow children to learn while playing, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Hoan Kiem Lake offer endless family fun! / 🌟Route suggestion: 6-day tour from Nanning, Guangxi to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam🌟 DAY1: First Impressions of Nanning Arrive in Nanning and enjoy 24-hour point-to-point seamless airport transfer service to start your journey to the mountains and rivers of Guangxi. DAY2: Explore the Colorful Beiqiu Bay Spend the whole day exploring the Colorful Beiqiu Bay and experience the colorful and mysterious charm of nature. DAY3: Explore Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay - Visit Incense Burner Islet and Fighting Cock Islet, explore Paradise Island, and cross the cave. Experience the prosperity of Hanoi Grand World at night. DAY4: Hanoi History Tour Ba Dinh Square - Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hoan Kiem Lake, stroll along the 36 Streets, and feel the tranquility and solemnity of St. Joseph's Cathedral. DAY5: Experience the Charm of Qiaogang Spend the whole day exploring Qiaogang Style Street and experience the unique culture and cuisine of the overseas Chinese community. DAY6: Leisure Time in Beihai Enjoy a seafood feast on Waisha Seafood Island - Stroll along Beihai Silver Beach Resort - Catch the tide at Dayan, and end your pleasant journey. / Travel tips: 📸Photo spots: The Surprise Cave and Paradise Island in Ha Long Bay are picturesque, so don't miss them! 🍜Food suggestions: Vietnamese pho and spring rolls, and the night market snacks in Nanning are also worth a try. 🎉Customs: Respect local customs and experience traditional Vietnamese cultural activities. ❄️January climate: Nanning is warm and humid, while Ha Long Bay is slightly cooler, so remember to bring light and warm clothes. / The journey from Nanning, Guangxi to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam will surely bring you a lot of beauty and surprises!🎉

Address: Shop 121, 122, Building 29, Dongxing International Tourism Distribution Center, No.199 Hezhou Road, Dongxing Town Located to the west of the city of Dongxing, Cafe 16% is a great place to spend time chilling out and enjoying a nice coffee and a pastry. It is located in a quiet neighborhood, accessible by foot from the main city centre area, or by car and bus too. Inside, it provides a good selection of hot and cold drinks, including juices, coffee, teas and smoothies. There are also a variety of homemade pastries on offer here too! The surroundings are open plan and airy, and the furniture is comfortable and large, great for also doing some work on the computer. Wifi is fast and free to use. All in all, if you are in Dongxing, definitely try and come to this coffee shop as I recommend it to anyone. #2023travelwish #mytripvlog #tripblazers

The Vietnam Street area is located in Dongxing City, southern Guangxi Province, on the Chinese side of the border with Vietnam, just adjacent to the main border gate itself. To get to Dongxing, you must take a train to Fangchenggang North train station, and then drive around one hour southwest from there to reach this city. Alternatively, you can drive from Nanning or Baise. The area itself is several blocks, connected by various narrow alleys that have a certain charm about them. Here, you will find various places to buy souvenirs, imported goods, furniture, as well as food and drink from across the border. It is a pleasant place to come for a walk and interact with the people selling things here, likewise for merchants, items can be bought here too. At the time of my visit, the border gate was still closed, however this is expected to change in early 2023...and I think this whole area will come to life even more! The best time to visit is late morning or early evening. Morning time for a nice coffee, and evening time for seeing the area lit up with lanterns. If you are in the area, it is definitely worth a visit here. Leave a couple of hours to see it all! #2023travelwish #mytripvlog #tripblazers

Sri Lanka has stilt fishing, and there are sorghum shrimps in Jingdao. Have you seen it? Jingdao is located in Dongxing City, Guangxi Province, and is a settlement of Jing people. The Jing people here have migrated from Vietnam about 500 years ago and are the only marine people in China. Since ancient times, the Jing people have explored the experience of sorghum fishing for shrimp, but there are very few people now.

I used to think Beihai had the best sea view, but after visiting Fangchenggang, my opinion completely changed! The water is clearer, the beaches are less crowded, prices are cut in half, and it’s a hidden gem for healing—a budget-friendly little Maldives in the Beibu Gulf✨ 1. Highlights 1. A whole free, natural beach with few people and no need to fight for a spot 2. One-stop visit to black sand beach, golden beach, and volcanic reefs with diverse scenery 3. Extremely low seafood prices, easy to eat and shop in the city, perfect for budget travelers 4. A mix of border culture and coastal scenery, perfect for photos with great atmosphere 2. 3 days 2 nights solo total budget 💰720 yuan Intercity high-speed train: 90 yuan City transportation: 80 yuan Two nights accommodation: 260 yuan Meals: 230 yuan Attraction experiences: 60 yuan 3. Transportation routes 🚞 1. Arriving from other cities: Nanning East high-speed train to Fangchenggang North Station, 45 minutes, 45 yuan; Beihai high-speed train 1.5 hours, 42 yuan 2. Getting around the city: electric bike 40 yuan/day, great for coastal rides; shared rides between attractions 25 yuan per person; bus 5 yuan, but infrequent and not recommended 3. Parking at attractions: Bailang Beach parking fee 10 yuan per visit, Guai Shi Beach parking free 4. Recommended accommodation areas 🏨 1. Port area city center (130–160 yuan/night 🔥 top choice) Complete supermarkets and night markets, convenient transportation, equal travel time to all beaches, best value 2. Bailang Beach resort area (220–300 yuan/night) Direct beach access, family-friendly for kids, water activities available 3. Wanwei Golden Beach guesthouses (180–260 yuan/night) Long golden coastline, strong fishing village vibe, great for sunrise watching 5. Food must-tries 🦐 1. Vietnamese chicken pho 15 yuan: fresh and light, a border specialty must-eat 2. Local sandworm porridge 60 yuan per serving, sweet and soft 3. Grilled oysters 10 yuan for 5, affordable night market snack 4. Seafood processing fee 12 yuan per dish, buying seafood at the fishing port is very cost-effective 6. Must-visit attractions 🎫 1. Bailang Beach: free, rare black sand beach, titanium sand bath experience 30 yuan 2. Guai Shi Beach: free, volcanic reef coast, legendary sunset photo spot 3. Wanwei Golden Beach: free, tide pooling at low tide, tool rental 10 yuan 4. Leshan ancient fishing village: free, natural fishing village, see mangroves and egrets 7. Pitfalls to avoid ❌ 1. Don’t just walk into seaside food stalls; go to Qisha Fishing Port to pick your own seafood and have it cooked, saving half the cost 2. Bargain boldly for water activities in attractions; jet ski original price 150 yuan, can get it for 120 yuan 3. Reef areas are slippery, be sure to wear non-slip shoes and avoid deep sea reefs 4. Avoid guesthouses soliciting at the high-speed train station; overpriced and poor environment, booking online in advance is more reliable Travel tips 💡 1. Strong UV rays by the sea, high SPF sunscreen and sun hat are essential 2. Check tide tables in advance; you’ll catch more at low tide 3. Strong sea breeze day and night, bring a light jacket; it cools down noticeably in the evening 4. Most beaches have no admission fee, don’t trust roadside people charging fees Random thoughts 💭 Compared to the crowded Beihai, Fangchenggang is much quieter! Clear blue sea with long sandy beaches, affordable prices, perfect for relaxing by the sea or experiencing the lively border fishing village. You don’t need to spend a lot to get that island vacation feel. If you want to unwind by the sea and avoid crowds, head straight to Fangchenggang—it will definitely change your impression of Guangxi’s coastline!

🎡 Wuhu, Anhui | A fairy tale world for young kids 🐿️ 📍The transportation hub of the Yangtze River Delta is easy to reach~ 30-min high-speed train from Nanjing🚄 / 1-hour from Hefei Best of all, Squirrel Town has free admission‼️ 💰Budget chain hotels + free park = a down-to-earth version of Disneyland ✨Must-visit spots: ✅22-story dreamlike Ferris wheel (largest in East China!) ✅Cute pet feeding and interaction ✅Riverside promenade light show (100% stroller friendly) 🐿️2-day 1-night easy itinerary: D1 10:00 Play at Squirrel Town → 17:00 Sunset photo by the river📸 D2 9:00 Dinosaur skeleton study at the science museum → 15:00 Return trip 🍡Local food recommendations: Red bean fermented rice drink🧊 (a summer must-try!) Shrimp roe noodles that will blow your mind😋 🏖️ Fangchenggang, Guangxi | The ultimate sand digging and tide chasing spot 🏝️ 🚅A hidden coastal gem 40 minutes from Nanning 👶🏻Affordable alternative to Sanya with a luxury feel for 2,000 yuan 🌊Average 25℃ in July and August. The sea breeze is super comfortable~ 🌅2-day 1-night tide chasing itinerary: D1 Lishan ancient fishing village tide chasing (free!) → White Wave Beach wading D2 Wanwei Golden Beach to see fishing boats → Buy 5 jin of fresh seafood at the market🦐 🥥Must-eat list: Coconut sticky rice balls Freshly opened coconut water🥥 (5 yuan each!) ⛰️ Xingyi, Guizhou | A natural 22℃ air-conditioned city 🌾 🚞A summer retreat 1.5 hours from Guiyang 🍃Wanfenglin and vast rice fields are perfect for photos 💦Maling River waterfalls are incredibly refreshing 🌾2-day 1-night photo route: D1 Rice field mini train + fish catching experience🐟 D2 Canyon creek tracing + Buyi ethnic heritage experience 🍲Must-try food: Sour soup fish with rice porridge (three bowls in a row is not a dream!) 🏯 Fuzhou, Jiangxi | Ancient style flower sea and fresh vibes 🌸 🎫Sanweng Garden free! Free! Free! 🪁Huge lawn perfect for kids to roll around 🌈Museum interactive installations are super fun 🌸2-day 1-night cultural trip: D1 Picnic in the flower sea + ancient street Hanfu experience D2 Movable type printing DIY + Wenchang Pavilion check-in✍️ 🍡Dessert lovers must try: Stretchy lotus root jelly cake (love at first bite!) The ultimate

Are you like me, dreading holidays because popular spots are packed, flights and hotels are sky-high, and you end up more exhausted than at work? Stop following the crowd! Today, I’m sharing 8 truly underrated small cities. They offer fairy-tale scenes on the northern border, the gentle charm of southern water towns, the grandeur of the northwest, and the relaxed vibe of southern seaside towns. All are reachable within 2 to 3 hours by high-speed train, with per-person budgets at least half of popular destinations. Best of all, the peaceful feeling of having the scenery all to yourself is worth changing your itinerary for. 01 Manzhouli | Inner Mongolia 📍 Before leaving the country, you’ll encounter a city full of Russian dreams. Matryoshka Square is an unmissable landmark. From afar, you can see the giant nesting doll buildings, their vivid colors like something out of a fairy tale picture book. ⏰ Visit after 4 PM. The sunset turns the colorful walls warm orange, creating the softest light for photos. The square also has a matryoshka-themed hotel and amusement facilities, perfect for spending half a day with kids. ⚠️ Don’t buy matryoshka souvenirs on the main street in the scenic area. Walk toward Beihu Park through the alleys, where prices for the same items are half as much. At night, be sure to visit Zhongsu Street, where Russian-style buildings and neon signs make you feel like you’re in Moscow. 🍜 The Rubli Western restaurant on the corner is worth trying. Their cheese buns stretch half a meter long, but remember to get a reservation in advance—after 6 PM, the wait is usually an hour. 02 Dalian | Liaoning 🔍 Dalian’s sea is completely different from Sanya’s. It has the crispness of the north and the ruggedness of rocky shores. Which to visit, Jinshitan or Laohutan? I’ve tried both—Jinshitan is more photogenic, with geological wonders and wide beaches. At sunset, the rocks look gilded, perfect for quiet reflection. Laohutan Ocean Park is better for kids, with dolphin shows at the polar pavilion and dreamy lights in the coral pavilion that children won’t want to leave. 🚄 To avoid crowds, head west to Tangli Lake Park, a local favorite. The lake is surrounded by green hills, and the boardwalk winds through reeds. Walking there around 5 PM, the air is filled with the scent of plants and water. ⚠️ Xinghai Square is very sunny during the day. Wait until dusk to step onto the “open book” sculpture for night views of Xinghai Bay Bridge. Weekends are crowded, so weekdays are better. 03 Wuzhong | Ningxia 🤔 Many ask me, “For lamb in Ningxia, should I go to Yinchuan or Wuzhong?” My answer is always to head straight to Wuzhong. The Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon is its top attraction. Taking a boat into the canyon, the reddish rock walls carved by the river form layers of folds. Water birds skim the surface. The raw, grand scenery is more authentic than Shahu Lake. ⏰ The best time is before 10:30 AM. Morning light slants across the canyon, making the rock textures look like ink paintings soaked by rain. 🍜 The real treat is Wuzhong’s morning tea market—a bowl of eight-treasure tea with a plate of spicy hot pot skewers (yes, this is one of the birthplaces of spicy hot pot). Afterward, order hand-pulled lamb dipped in vinegar and garlic paste. The meat’s aroma is enough for lunch. ⚠️ The goji berries sold in the scenic area are pricey. For better deals, go to the old East Suburb Market in town, where you can bargain prices down by half. 04 Xuzhou | Jiangsu 🚄 Xuzhou is a classic underrated city within a 2-hour high-speed train radius. The main experience is hidden in Yunlong Lake—it’s not smaller than West Lake but quiet like a local’s backyard. Enter from the east gate and walk south along the shore. After crossing Sugong Bridge, turn right to a waterside platform surrounded by bamboo, where you can see the music hall reflected on the lake. ⏰ I recommend arriving after 4 PM. Stroll around the lake, then watch the sunset from the north beach. The water glows like gold foil, and the air smells of water and grass. 🍜 Don’t miss the barbecue night market on Hubin Road. Xuzhou barbecue is freshly cut and grilled. Lamb skewers sizzle with oil on the iron plate. Wrap them in flatbread with scallions and chili. You can eat 10 skewers without getting tired. ⚠️ Don’t rent electric boats in the scenic area. Rowing is harder but lets you reach deep into the reed beds to see wild water birds. 05 Jinzhong | Shanxi 💡 Which is better, Qiao Family Compound or Wang Family Compound? My conclusion: if you’re short on time, just visit Wang Family Compound. It’s three times larger than Qiao Family Compound, built into the mountain with layers of cave dwellings and carved brick walls. Walking from the foot to the top reveals the peak aesthetic of Ming and Qing dynasty Shanxi merchants. ⏰ Arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds and hear the wind through the eaves and birdsong. ⏰ I suggest staying overnight in Pingyao Ancient City. After 5 PM, the city transforms. Tourists leave, warm yellow lanterns light the alleys, stone paths shine with polish, and in a courtyard on South Street, you can hear the drums of shadow puppetry. 🍜 The flavor highlight is “Zhang’s bowl cake” at the foot of Mianshan Mountain in Jiexiu. The bowl cake cut into strips mixed with chili oil and vinegar is tangy and spicy, perfect for recovering after hiking. ⚠️ The Pingyao Ancient City pass is valid for three days, but be sure to watch the “court session” performance at the county office at 8:30 AM daily. It won’t be repeated. 06 Yichun | Heilongjiang 🌲 If you want to completely unwind, Yichun is a “forest spa.” The core is Tangwang River Forest and Strange Stones. Entering the park feels like stepping into a primeval world covered with moss and pine needles. ⏰ I recommend entering at 8 AM when the mist still lingers. Sunlight filters through the canopy, shining on oddly shaped boulders like a painting. Follow the boardwalk deeper to see a stone sea polished by water for tens of thousands of years, smooth like giant eggs. 🍜 The “Xing’an Ridge mushroom soup” at the park entrance is a must-try. Made with local hazel mushrooms and wild boar, one sip condenses the forest air into a bowl. ⚠️ Don’t wear white shoes. Moss and soil will stain them. Bring waterproof hiking shoes. 🚄 Yichun has no high-speed train station. Take a bus from Harbin, about 4 hours. The forest scenery along the way is like a movie. 07 Foshan | Guangdong 🥟 Foshan’s charm isn’t in trendy shops but in the slow-cooked flavors of old streets. Between Qinghui Garden and Xiqiao Mountain, I recommend the former. It’s a classic Lingnan garden, small but exquisite, with winding corridors, lotus ponds, and pavilions. Every window frames a different view. ⏰ Visit after 2 PM. Sunlight streams through carved window frames, casting shadows on the blue brick walls. The light and shadow are better than any filter. 🍜 After Qinghui Garden, walk 10 minutes to “Huang Danji Chen Village rice noodles.” Order beef brisket with Chen Village rice noodles. The noodles are thin and translucent, coated in sauce, silky and tender. It’s my most memorable meal in Foshan. 🍜 Xiqiao Mountain suits those with good stamina. The summit offers panoramic views of the Nanhai River. The “One Line Sky” trail halfway up is narrow, so if you have elderly or children, take the cable car. ⚠️ Foshan’s Ancestral Temple is worth a visit but closes at 4 PM on Mondays. Don’t go empty-handed. 08 Fangchenggang | Guangxi 🌊 Compared to the crowded Beihai Silver Beach, Fangchenggang is the true “backyard” of China’s coastline. The core experience is driving along Jiangshan Peninsula Road, with blue sea on one side and endless green forest on the other. Every shot looks like a highway movie poster. 📍 Lishan Ancient Fishing Village is a hidden gem. The village is tucked deep in the bay, stone houses covered in vines, fishermen repairing nets on the dock. When the tide recedes, you can find clusters of small crabs and colorful shells on the black sand beach. ⏰ Be sure to arrive by 6 PM. The sunset dyes the bay pink and purple, and the sea breeze makes the fishing boat masts clink. 🍜 The village’s “Grandma’s seafood porridge” is only served for dinner. Made with fresh shrimp and sandworms caught that day, the rice is cooked to bloom. It’s so fresh your eyebrows will almost fall off. ⚠️ Avoid Wanwei Golden Beach on holidays. It’s so crowded you won’t find parking. Instead, go to nearby Bailang Beach, which is less crowded and has finer sand. After countless crowded trips, I realized that true travel joy isn’t about where you go but how and with whom. These small cities are like fairy tales, poems, or a bowl of freshly served hot soup. If you’re planning a getaway to avoid crowds, pick one and give yourself a few days without rushing. Let’s chat in the comments— which one moves you the most?

1. Liupanshui Known as China’s cool capital, it stays a steady 19°C in midsummer. The Wumeng grasslands are dotted with windmills, and seas of clouds often roll over the hills. No need for a packed itinerary—sleep in naturally, stroll the grasslands in the breeze, and enjoy the slow, lazy pace of small-town life. Local snacks are delicious and affordable, the people are genuine and down-to-earth, and without noisy tourist crowds, you can fully relax in the mountain breeze. It’s the perfect summer spot to unwind. 2. Yichun Located in the heart of the Lesser Khingan Mountains, it boasts a high forest coverage rate. Summers are dry and cool, making it a natural forest oxygen bar. Ancient trees tower along the Tangwang River, with streams gently flowing. Spend your free time sitting quietly in the woods or fishing by the lake. The small town is peaceful and quiet, with a slow pace of life and fresh, natural farm-to-table ingredients. Leave your busy worries behind and immerse yourself in the green forest, breathing deeply and enjoying a calm, leisurely summer retreat. 3. Lichuan A cool city in the Wuling Mountains, with an average summer temperature of 22°C. The Tenglong Cave is refreshingly cool inside, and the forests of Sumadang are shrouded in mist. Find a mountain cottage to sip tea and cool off, stroll leisurely along the streams, and skip the rush to check off tourist spots. The Tujia ethnic culture is rich, local food offers great value, and the people are warm and sincere. Spend your days accompanied by mountain breezes, far from the summer heat, enjoying a slow-paced, relaxing stay. 4. Songyang Known as the last secret of Jiangnan, over a hundred ancient rammed-earth villages hide among valleys and tea gardens. Chenjiapu Village’s cliffside bookstore offers a unique atmosphere, often shrouded in mist. No need to plan a route—wander the old streets sipping tea, or stroll and daydream in the tea fields. The ancient villages are minimally commercialized, with villagers living simple, peaceful lives. Find a guesthouse for a quiet stay, leave city anxieties behind, and enjoy a carefree, laid-back time in the mountains and ancient villages. 5. Pingtan The island’s sea breeze is fresh and pleasant. Tannan Bay’s beach is fine and soft, perfect for hanging a hammock and relaxing by the sea. Ride an electric scooter around the island, wait for the stunning sunset over the ocean in the evening, and collect shells at low tide. Life on the island is very relaxed, with few tourists and affordable, authentic seafood. No need to rush sightseeing—spend your time with the tides, letting the sea breeze soothe your worries and enjoy a lazy island lifestyle. 6. Pu’er The city is surrounded by tens of thousands of acres of tea mountains, with a mild and comfortable climate free from midsummer heat. Spend your days sipping tea and chatting in tea houses, and at night, gaze up at the star-filled sky. The town is low-cost, quiet, and leisurely, with kind and simple ethnic minority communities. No need for a strict itinerary—wander the tea mountain streets at your own pace, slow down in the gentle tea fragrance, escape the city noise, and enjoy a simple, peaceful stay. 7. Changde The Taohuayuan scenic area is serene and quiet. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Qin Creek, surrounded by poetic mountains, water, and greenery. City life is calm and peaceful, with warm, lively streets and authentic Hunan snacks. Take a relaxing walk along the lakeside trail, find a tea house to sit and chat, and skip the rush to tourist spots. Escape the fast pace of the city and immerse yourself in this idyllic environment, enjoying a slow, peaceful vacation. 8. Fangchenggang This border town’s secluded bay is pristine and natural. The white sand bay coastline is clean and clear, with few tourists and no crowds. Spend your days daydreaming by the sea and feeling the ocean breeze. At low tide, gather small seafood from the shore. The town’s atmosphere is calm and steady. Prices are affordable, daily life is simple and honest, and the Dongxing border port offers a taste of border culture. Leave your busy worries behind, watch the sea, stroll, and eat seafood at your own pace, enjoying a quiet, lazy vacation.

1. Zhengning, Gansu: uncover the “ancient biological code” deep in the loess Why visit: This is the hometown of the “Yellow River ancient elephant” fossils, where kids can touch prehistoric traces and experience the grandeur and vitality of the Loess Plateau. Itinerary (2 days): · Day 1: Luochuan ancient village + Ziwu Ridge forest hike Stroll through the well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty village of Luochuan in the morning, admire century-old stone carvings and ancient trees. In the afternoon, explore the natural oxygen bar of Ziwu Ridge, help kids spot squirrels and wild pheasants, and observe the oasis ecosystem on the Loess Plateau. · Day 2: Yellow River ancient elephant fossil site + farming experience Visit the fossil excavation site with a local guide telling stories about the ancient elephants (book a simulated digging activity in advance). In the afternoon, join a farmhouse workshop to make yellow rice cakes and paper-cut window decorations, experiencing the folk customs of eastern Gansu. Highlights: Brick carvings on old village door lintels telling stories, fern fossils in the forest, and warm scenes of locals teaching kids to knead dough and steam cakes by hand. 2. Chengjiang, Yunnan: dive into the sapphire lake of the “cradle of life on earth” Why visit: Fuxian Lake is as clear as glass, with a bottom full of 500-million-year-old Cambrian fossils, a perfect blend of nature and scientific discovery. Itinerary (2 days): · Day 1: Fuxian Lake sailing + fossil museum Take a sailboat ride on the lake in the morning, using a transparent boat to observe the underwater world. In the afternoon, visit the fossil natural history museum and learn about the “Cambrian explosion of life” through interactive exhibits. · Day 2: Treasure hunt on Gushan Island + copper pot fish cooking Explore Gushan Island to find unique reefs, use magnifying glasses with kids to observe small creatures in rock crevices. At noon, learn from local fishermen how to cook fresh fish in a traditional copper pot. Highlights: Sailing instructors teaching kids how to tie sailor’s knots, 3D animations in the museum recreating ancient creatures, and the rich aroma when the copper pot fish soup boils. 3. Jingdezhen, Jiangxi: be a “little creator” for a day Why visit: Known as the “porcelain capital,” it’s also an open art lab where kids can unleash creativity from clay shaping to kiln firing. Itinerary (3 days): · Day 1: Ancient kiln folk culture area + Taoxichuan night tour Watch master craftsmen throw pots and paint blue-and-white porcelain, try simple clay modeling. At night, stroll through the Taoxichuan creative market and see young artisans creating live. · Day 2: Sanbao village art study Experience underglaze painting in a valley studio, collect colorful stones by the stream to make collages with kids. In the afternoon, enjoy latte art milk tea served in ceramic cups at a mountain café. · Day 3: Yaoli ancient town sketching Capture the Hui-style old houses, ancient bridges, and flowing water with paintbrushes, and exchange artwork with local sketching students. Highlights: The vibrating feel of the potter’s wheel in your palm, the surprise color changes after firing your own painted teacup, and the gentle sound of water under the stone paths in Yaoli ancient town. 4. Fangchenggang, Guangxi: a “sea and land adventure” on the China-Vietnam border Why visit: Its unique coastal border location lets you explore tropical mangroves and exotic street markets in one day. Itinerary (3 days): · Day 1: Jintan mangrove reserve + Jing ethnic fishing village Take a boat through the mangrove maze, observe mudskippers and fiddler crabs. Learn to sing Jing ethnic one-stringed fiddle folk songs and taste the local specialty wind-blown cakes. · Day 2: Dongxing border market + Beilun River border walk Visit the China-Vietnam border market and identify Southeast Asian fruits. Walk along the Beilun River to the border marker and explain geography to kids. · Day 3: Jiangshan Peninsula beach science exploration At low tide, dig for sandworms and shells with tools, visit ancient canal ruins, and learn about the Maritime Silk Road history. Highlights: Mangrove aerial roots arranged like harps, Jing grandmothers teaching kids to sing fishing songs in dialect, and the fun scene of residents from both countries waving across the river at the border marker. Travel tips: 1. Zhengning and Chengjiang are best for spring and summer escapes; Jingdezhen is cool and ideal for creativity in autumn; Fangchenggang is still good for beach walks in winter. 2. Book intangible cultural heritage experiences and fossil tours in advance to ensure deep participation. 3. Encourage kids to record their experiences through drawing and specimen collecting, then create a personalized travel journal after the trip.

I've always had a summer bias—that to beat the heat, you have to head deep into the mountains where the altitude is high enough to stay cool. Until last year, when I hit two snags: once squeezed shoulder to shoulder in a popular canyon, and once when a homestay owner raised the price last minute. This year I learned my lesson and picked 8 truly underrated spots. They’re either hidden local gems where people go to escape the crowds or “natural air-conditioned rooms” reachable within 2 hours by high-speed train. Some have daytime temps around 29 degrees but require a jacket at night; others are full of water and breezes just steps from the city. After scrolling through them all, I’ve already booked tickets for next weekend. 01 Tianjin The Five Great Avenues and the Italian Style Area sound like tourist traps, but visiting in August is surprisingly refreshing. The old plane trees on the Five Great Avenues fully shade the streets. At 4 PM, sunlight filters through the leaves in patches, making biking through feel like a natural filter. 📍 Hengyang Road on the west side of Minyuan Square is quiet and less crowded. The light is best after 5 PM. The Italian Style Area is great for photos, but don’t just eat anywhere on the main street. 🍜 I recommend turning into Freedom Road, where there’s an old stall selling Jianbing Guozi. The mung bean batter is thin, and the crispy filling stays crunchy. ⚠️ If you have kids, Fantawild Adventure is worth a visit, but bring plenty of sunscreen and a sun umbrella since many queues are outdoors. Also, the Olympic Sports Center area is lively at night, but during the day it’s just hot and sunny—don’t ask me how I know. 02 Fangchenggang City | Guangxi This is my biggest summer surprise by the sea this year. 📍 Lishan Ancient Fishing Village at 3 PM is low tide, perfect for finding little crabs on the mudflats. The wet sand feels cool underfoot. There’s a big banyan tree in the village where sitting in the shade and feeling the sea breeze beats air conditioning by a hundred times. ⏰ To catch the sunset, arrive before 5 PM at Jintan Beach along Fangchenggang’s coast. The sand is fine and soft, perfect for barefoot walking. ⚠️ Don’t rent a sun umbrella on the beach. Bring your own folding chair and bottled water. The money you save can buy a seafood porridge meal. 🍜 Near Dongxing Port, the Vietnamese rice rolls have thin, translucent skins. Dip them in spicy-sour sauce and the summer heat disappears with every bite. 03 Lu’an City | Anhui Many know the Dabie Mountains but don’t realize that Tiantangzhai and Wanfo Lake are the real August highlights. Tiantangzhai is high altitude with dense forest cover and icy mountain streams. I suggest starting at the waterfall entrance and hiking along the plank road, where mist cools the air by at least 8 degrees. ⚠️ The hike takes about 3 hours with many steps. Families with kids should avoid the summit; the views from the mid-mountain platform are just as good. Wanfo Lake is more relaxed—take a boat to the island and enjoy the lake breeze. It’s shady until 3 PM. 🍜 After the park, head to the county town for Jinzhai hanging pot stew. The cured meat and dried bamboo shoots are rich in flavor. Paired with crispy rice, it’s way better than the park’s boxed lunch. 04 Quzhou City | Zhejiang Quzhou is my personal “most underrated” pick. The Gen Palace Buddhist Culture in Kaihua sounds like a senior tour, but once inside, it’s stunning. Thousands of root-carved Buddha statues, each unique. The indoor space is cool like natural air conditioning. 📍 Start at the main hall where the lighting is darkest. Around the corner, a giant root carving creates a surreal feeling. For Jianglang Mountain and Nianbadu, hike Jianglang Mountain in the morning and explore Nianbadu Ancient Town in the afternoon. ⏰ The best time to climb Jianglang Mountain is 7–9 AM before the sun gets strong. The sesame cakes in Nianbadu are freshly baked; one bite releases a burst of sesame aroma. ⚠️ Tip: Skip the guided tours in the ancient town unless you’re really into history. You can explore on your own and save 50 yuan. 05 Nyingchi City | Tibet August in Nyingchi means catching the tail end of the rainy season. But that’s why Basongcuo Lake looks unreal blue, and the rapeseed fields in Bomi are still blooming. I traveled the Yunnan-Tibet route where rhododendrons and pine forests line the road. Rolling down the window lets in a chilly breeze—the highland coolness is intense. 📍 If visiting Basongcuo alone, stay in Jueba Village inside the park. Open your window to the lake and morning mist—ten times more beautiful than the popular viewing platform. ⏰ Namjagbarwa Peak in the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon rarely shows after June, but in August you can often catch it in the afternoon. Don’t get greedy. 🍜 Tibetan yogurt in Bomi County is mixed with barley flour and honey. It’s purely tangy and gets more appetizing the more you eat. 06 Xianyang City | Shaanxi Xianyang is just 20 minutes by high-speed train from Xi’an but has far fewer tourists. Qianling Mausoleum is the joint tomb of Empress Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong. The sacred path is long, with stone statues weathered by wind. At dusk, the slanting sunlight casts a warm yellow glow. ⚠️ The highlight is the wordless stele, but after 4 PM the light is blocked by the mountain. Arrive around 10 AM. Yuanjia Village’s Guanzhong Impression Experience is thoughtfully renovated. 📍 Enter the second alley from the village entrance, turn right, and the third shop sells freshly pressed hebo noodles with a fragrant buckwheat flavor. 🍜 Buy a bag of stone bread to snack on while walking. It’s crispy and chewy. ⏰ The best time to visit Yuanjia Village is 2 PM to avoid the midday sun. Explore until 6 PM before heading back. 07 Jining City | Shandong Qufu’s Ming Ancient City and the Three Confucian Sites are home to the thousand-year-old Confucius Mansion. Ancient cypress trees cast dappled shadows that cool to the bone. 📍 Enter through the Lingxing Gate of the Confucius Temple and walk along the central axis. The stone steps in front of Dacheng Hall are polished shiny. ⏰ Arrive right at 8 AM when it opens. Before the crowds, stand quietly for 5 minutes and hear the wind rustling through the cypress leaves. At Weishan Lake Tourist Area, take a boat to the island surrounded by water. When the wind blows, lotus leaves ripple like green waves. 🍜 The island’s spicy duck eggs and four-hole carp can’t be tasted anywhere else. ⚠️ Boat operators will try to sell lotus flowers and seeds. Haggle to half price and don’t overpay. 08 Chengdu City | Sichuan In Chengdu’s summer, Tiantai Mountain and Qingcheng Mountain offer cool escapes. Tiantai Mountain is a water playground. Hiking up the canyon, the deepest stream reaches only knee height, cold enough to make your toes cramp. 📍 From the park entrance to the small mill, the water is shallow and stones slippery—perfect for barefoot walking. Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan have many Taoist buildings in the front mountain, while the back mountain is more natural. I recommend hiking the back mountain where streams accompany you all the way and it’s quiet. 🍜 After descending, head to Dujiangyan city for Lao Wu rice noodles. The spicy broth with freshly fried crispy pork makes you sweat it all out—pure bliss. ⚠️ Avoid Anren Ancient Town during the day; the shops are very similar. If you must visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, either queue at 7 AM or after 3 PM. The middle hours are crowded with people, not pandas. Notice a common thread among these 8 places? None are traditional “top tourist spots,” but each has its own cool charm. Whether natural scenery, city details, or local summer traditions, my top picks to revisit this year are Quzhou and Nyingchi—one for food, one for coolness. Can you guess which?

Worth it!!! Overall, it's a sour and spicy flavor profile, perfect for a sour-and-spicy lover like me! Although it's sour and spicy, the sauce paired with each dish is different, which feels like a nice, thoughtful touch! I liked the sauce for the mango crab rolls the best, the squid sauce second, and the appetizer platter sauce third. Mango, vegetable, and crab meat rice paper rolls ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Super refreshing and delicious. It feels very similar to the Vietnamese spring rolls at Da Tou Xia, and the sauce is about the same. It takes me back to eating grilled meat vermicelli in Dongxing! Thai-style roe-stuffed squid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delicious, and the sauce is the finishing touch, but since it's fried, it might get a bit greasy by the end. It comes with lettuce, mint, and cucumber, which might help balance it out if you wrap it, but I'm not a fan of eating greens. Chiang Mai lime sour and spicy sea bass ⭐⭐⭐⭐ It's okay. The fish is very tender, has few bones, and no fishy smell. It's also sour, but not as good as the sea bass at Ding Tai Chu. Appetizer platter ⭐⭐⭐ Stir-fried water spinach ⭐⭐⭐ These last two dishes were pretty standard; you can find them at any Thai restaurant, and they taste about the same. But the appetizer platter was free because we waited over 1 hour, so it was worth it! The chicken wings in it were pretty good.

1. Chaozhou Chaozhou is just an hour away from the Pearl River Delta by high-speed train, making the trip easy and relaxed. The old town is compact with attractions close together. Two days is just enough to explore Paifang Street and Guangji Bridge. Authentic local snacks are concentrated and affordable with transparent pricing. No need to rush around, making it an ideal weekend getaway for food and relaxation in eastern Guangdong. 2. Liuzhou Liuzhou is quickly accessible by high-speed train from nearby cities. The city’s attractions are centered along both banks of the Liu River. The water bus costs only 3 yuan and offers great value. The night view of Ma’anshan is stunning, and authentic luosifen noodles are found throughout the streets. The city is small and easy to explore on foot. A two-day, one-night trip to enjoy food and river views offers a relaxed and comfortable pace. 3. Linhai Linhai is reachable within two to three hours by high-speed train from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. The entire old city’s attractions are close together, with Ziyang Ancient Street, the Jiangnan Great Wall, and East Lake all within walking distance. The area is not very commercialized, and the sticky rice snacks are delicious and affordable. A two-day itinerary is leisurely and unhurried, perfect for a weekend escape from the city to a lesser-known Jiangnan destination. 4. Fangchenggang Fangchenggang is just an hour and a half from Nanning by high-speed train. The small city’s sightseeing routes are simple and smooth. Leshan Ancient Fishing Village and Jintan Beach are close by, and the seafood market has clear pricing. You can enjoy the sea and coastal scenery while experiencing border culture. A two-day short trip with a relaxed schedule and light crowds is perfect for a weekend vacation near Guangxi. 5. Xinzhou Xinzhou is an hour from Taiyuan by high-speed train. The ancient city is fully open for free, with all attractions located within the urban area. The streets offer a wide variety of snacks at low and fair prices. Nearby ancient villages are a short drive away. Two days to explore the old city and enjoy local customs makes for an easy, stress-free trip with a simple itinerary. It’s a highly cost-effective weekend destination in northern China. 6. Quzhou Quzhou is an hour from Hangzhou by high-speed train. The city’s main attractions are close together, with Shuiting Gate and the Confucius Temple within walking distance. The streets are clean and orderly, with plenty of local snacks and shops offering clear pricing with no tricks. The small city is compact, making two days just right for a leisurely visit. It saves time and effort, making it ideal for short trips from Zhejiang and Jiangxi. 7. Shaoxing Shaoxing is just a half-hour high-speed train ride from Hangzhou. The water town attractions are concentrated, with Anchang Ancient Town and Cangqiao Straight Street nearby. Most attractions are free to enter. The old streets and shops offer authentic flavors, and the black-awning boats add to the Jiangnan charm. Two days of relaxed walking through the water town without long transfers offers a slow and comfortable pace. It’s a classic weekend short trip in the Yangtze River Delta. 8. Qinzhou Qinzhou is an hour from Nanning by high-speed train. The city’s sightseeing routes are simple and clear. At Sanniang Bay, you might spot wild dolphins. Bajia Valley offers cool, quiet forest scenery, and seafood prices are reasonable. Travel times between attractions are short. A two-day trip is easy and comfortable, avoiding crowded seaside spots. It’s a quiet and pleasant short trip option around Beibu Gulf.

Day 1️⃣ Jiangshan Peninsula → Bailang Beach → Strange Rock Beach → Moon Bay. Jiangshan Peninsula is the most beautiful peninsula in Fangchenggang (free admission), with China’s purest beach 🏖️. In the morning, go to Bailang Beach (unique black sand and white waves) for swimming. In the afternoon, visit Strange Rock Beach to see sea-eroded rocks. At dusk, watch the sunset at Moon Bay. Day 2️⃣ Jing ethnic three islands → Wanwei Island → Jing ethnic museum → Golden Beach. The Jing ethnic three islands are the only settlement of the Jing ethnic group in China (free admission). The Jing are China’s only maritime ethnic group 🏝️. In the morning, visit Wanwei Island to see stilt shrimp fishing (a Jing ethnic skill). In the afternoon, visit the Jing ethnic museum (free) to see the single-stringed instrument. At dusk, watch the sunset and enjoy seafood at Golden Beach. Day 3️⃣ Dongxing Port → Qing Dynasty boundary marker no. 5 → one-day tour of Mong Cai, Vietnam → return. Dongxing Port is the largest border port between China and Vietnam (free admission) 🇻🇳. In the morning, see the Qing Dynasty boundary marker no. 5. In the afternoon, cross the border to Mong Cai, Vietnam (one-day tour costs about 200–300 yuan) to drink Vietnamese drip coffee and buy slippers. 🍜 Hidden food gems: ① Jing ethnic fish sauce (Golden Beach fishermen’s house, 20 yuan/bottle, naturally fermented and very fresh) ② Qu Tou eggs (street stalls in Dongxing, 8 yuan each, duck eggs that haven’t hatched are very special) ③ Seafood stalls (Golden Beach night market, about 60 yuan per person, flower crab and mantis shrimp are very fresh and sweet) ⚠️ Pitfall tips: ① Fangchenggang’s temperature in August is 28–34 degrees. The sea is warm and suitable for swimming but remember to use sunscreen ② A passport is required for the Mong Cai one-day tour; if you don’t have one, you can get a one-time pass (about 200 yuan) ③ Public transportation to the Jing ethnic three islands is inconvenient; self-driving or chartering a car is recommended ④ Bailang Beach sand is black (titanium ore sand), not dirty, and good for the skin ⑤ The weekly Jing ethnic stilt shrimp fishing show time is not fixed; call ahead to confirm 💰 Cost reference: Mong Cai one-day tour 200–300 yuan, seafood about 60 yuan per person, port free. Fangchenggang has a high-speed rail station. Three-day cost per person is 600–1,000 yuan.

Heading out in August and September, who’s still focused on popular cities? Here are 8 off-the-beaten-path destinations, all reachable by high-speed train, with costs so low you won’t believe it. You can stay overnight for just 200 to 300 yuan per person, and a good meal costs only 40 to 50 yuan. The best part is the experience doesn’t fall short—some places offer sea views, others have mountains to climb, and some let you dive into local life for a full belly. 01 Zhuhai | Guangdong If you want to see the sea without getting ripped off, Zhuhai should be at the top of your list. ⏰ Arrive at Qilou Road by 7 AM. It’s cool and quiet with few people. Rent a shared bike and ride along the coastline—sea on your left, palm trees on your right. It takes about half an hour to reach the Fisher Girl statue. For lunch, head to Xiwan Market. 🍜 A plate of rice rolls and a bowl of boat congee cost just over 10 yuan. The rice rolls are freshly steamed by the auntie, soft and chewy enough to soak up the flavors. ⚠️ Don’t eat seafood at the Hengqin stalls—they’re twice as expensive as downtown. Instead, buy live shrimp at Chaoyang Market in Xiangzhou. Nearby shops charge about 10 yuan to cook them. Just sit and wait to eat. In the afternoon, visit Chimelong International Ocean Resort. Although tickets aren’t cheap, buying an afternoon or evening ticket saves over 100 yuan compared to a full-day pass. After 5 PM, the whale shark tunnel is less crowded, perfect for photos without people. 02 Jiujiang | Jiangxi Is climbing Lushan Mountain worth it? My answer: take the west route, avoid the crowded east route. ⏰ Take bus 57 from Jiujiang Station at 8 AM to the Lushan cable car lower station. 🚄 A round-trip cable car ticket plus admission costs just over 200 yuan, saving you from car sickness on the winding mountain road. Once on the mountain, head straight to Ruqin Lake. The lake is shrouded in morning mist. Walking the Huajing trail is the most pleasant—ancient trees shade both sides, and the cool air feels like a lung cleanse. 🍜 For lunch, find a small restaurant in Guling Town and try stone fish with scrambled eggs. The eggs are tender and the fish is flavorful. With rice, you can easily eat two bowls. ⚠️ Don’t start climbing Lushan in the afternoon. Once the mist clears, it gets scorching, and photos of the lake will be full of glare. If you have more time, visit Lushan West Sea the next day. There’s a free boardwalk by Zhelin Lake. At 4 PM, the sunlight on the water looks like scattered gold. 03 Fangchenggang | Guangxi Between Dongxing and Fangchenggang, I choose Fangchenggang for one simple reason: it’s quieter, cheaper, and feels less like a tourist spot. ⏰ Arrive at Fangchenggang Binhai by 6:30 PM. The beach is full of locals digging sand with their kids. The waves are gentle and the water temperature is just right. Find a spot to lay down a picnic mat, listen to the waves, and watch the sun set—no cost at all. ⚠️ Don’t buy shrimp cakes from the old lady on the roadside—they’re too salty and have more flour than shrimp. The next morning, visit Leshan Ancient Fishing Village. Take the bus to the last stop, then walk one kilometer. The village’s stone houses hide a small alley leading to a pier under an old banyan tree. 🍜 Buy freshly caught squid from fishermen’s homes. Boil it in plain water and dip in soy sauce—the sweetness will make you salivate. After 3 PM, go to the Strange Rock Beach for tide hunting. ⚠️ Wear non-slip shoes; the rocks are covered with oyster shells that can easily cut you. 04 Hengshui | Hebei Should you buy a ticket for Hengshui Lake? Here’s the answer: the north shore is free, the south shore charges admission, and the free side has better views. ⏰ Arrive at the north shore boardwalk by 6 AM. Egrets and wild ducks flutter among the reeds. The lake surface is as calm as a deep green mirror. Walk the lotus boardwalk for half an hour and hear the rustling of reed stalks in the wind. 🚄 It’s a 10-minute taxi ride from Hengshui Station. Local drivers all know the free entrance. 🍜 For lunch, return to the city and try Hengshui Lake carp stewed with vermicelli. The fish is firm, and the vermicelli soaks up the broth. Two people can eat their fill for 30 to 40 yuan. ⚠️ The best time for lotus flowers is late August. By September, they start to wilt, so don’t go for nothing. 05 Changzhou | Jiangsu If you’re traveling with elders or kids, Changzhou is more worry-free than Suzhou—smooth roads, large parks, and transparent prices. If you’re alone, head to Tianmu Lake’s bamboo forest, so quiet you can hear your own breath. ⏰ Enter Tianmu Lake Scenic Area at 9 AM. Take a boat to Longxing Island, which is covered in bamboo. Climb the stone steps to the top where there’s a tea house. A cup of local white tea costs 10 yuan. Sip it with the mountain breeze and all your worries will fade. For some excitement, visit Global Dinosaur City Leisure Park in the afternoon. ⚠️ Don’t buy a full-day ticket; the evening ticket after 2 PM is half price. Roller coasters have about a 20-minute wait. 🍜 For dinner, try silver thread noodles at Dino Water Town. The broth is made from bone stock, and the noodles are as thin as hair. A bowl costs no more than 15 yuan. ⚠️ Spring and Autumn Yancheng Tourist Area is closed Monday mornings. Don’t go for nothing. 06 Changzhi | Shanxi Changzhi’s Taihang Mountains are the same range as Henan’s but much less crowded here. From Bayi Square in the city center, it’s about a 40-minute taxi ride to Huguan Taihang Grand Canyon’s Baquan Gorge. ⏰ Enter the valley at 8 AM. Take a boat tour on the lake, with steep cliffs looming on both sides. The water is a greenish blue. After the boat, walk the mountain boardwalk. One section clings to the cliff with a deep valley below—it’ll get your heart racing. 🍜 For lunch, eat knife-cut noodles at a small restaurant near the entrance. The noodles are freshly cut and chewy, served with a side of shredded potatoes. It costs about 10 yuan and fills you up. ⚠️ The canyon gets dark after 3 PM, so photos won’t look as good. Go early. If you don’t want to hike the main Taihang Grand Canyon, Qinglong Gorge nearby is also nice, with cheaper tickets and a wider water surface. 07 Yanbian | Jilin Is Liuding Mountain worth visiting? Yes, but don’t waste a whole day. ⏰ Take the tourist shuttle from Yanji West Station at 8 AM. It’s a 40-minute ride to the park entrance. Once inside, take the electric cart to the foot of the Golden Ding Buddha. The statue stands on the mountain. Looking up from directly below, you’ll feel how small humans are. After descending, visit Zhengjue Temple. The murals inside are vivid, and the wood carvings are intricate. 🍜 For lunch, return to Yanji city and find a cold noodle shop in the alley opposite Yanbian University. The broth is cold with a sweet and sour taste. The buckwheat noodles are chewy, topped with two slices of beef and half a boiled egg. A bowl costs about 10 yuan and cools you down completely. ⚠️ Liuding Mountain is less crowded in the afternoon, but vegetarian meals are only available before 11 AM. If you miss that, you’ll have to eat instant noodles. 08 Kashgar | Xinjiang The best times to be in Kashgar Old Town are 8 AM and 8 PM. The midday sun is too strong, so it’s best to hide in a teahouse. ⏰ At 8 AM, the old town wakes up. The blacksmith’s hammer rings out, and the smell of baked naan drifts from the alleys. Find a second-floor teahouse. A pot of rose tea with two pieces of rock sugar costs 5 yuan. You can sit all morning watching Uyghur children chase pigeons below. 🍜 For lunch, try pot stew lamb. The lamb is tender and stewed with chickpeas. Tear up some naan and soak it in the broth. It costs 20 yuan and fills you up. ⚠️ Don’t buy kebabs in the central square—they’re expensive and small. Walk west into the alleys where locals line up for skewers at 3 yuan each. In the afternoon, drive to the Pamir Plateau. ⚠️ There’s a border checkpoint on the way, so remember to get your border pass in advance. Stone City is near Tashkurgan County. At sunset, the ruins glow gold against snowy peaks. This scene is more stunning than any photo. The most expensive part of traveling in August and September isn’t the ticket—it’s hesitation. These 8 cities are all reachable by high-speed train or plane. Accommodation costs 200 to 300 yuan per night, meals start at 20 to 30 yuan, and the only extra you might need is sunscreen. Tell us in the comments—which one do you want to visit most?

For the second trip to Nha Trang, choosing high-speed rail connection was a clear decision. It avoids the hassle of long flights, making traveling with kids much easier. The land transfer is smooth, and the kids can eat, drink, and rest comfortably along the way, making the whole trip very relaxing🌴 ✨Key itinerary highlights Pearl Island is definitely a top choice for families. The extra-long cross-sea cable car soars over clear blue waters, keeping kids excited the entire time. The park offers an all-in-one ticket covering the warm water kids’ water park, mermaid aquarium, pet feeding area, and high-altitude Ferris wheel—enough to spend a whole day. The city’s public beach is free for kids to play. The sand is fine and the waves gentle, making it safe for young children to splash and dig. Watching the sunset over the sea in the evening creates a great atmosphere. I-Resort’s mud bath is designed for families, featuring a separate shallow pool and water slide for kids. The warm mud soothes travel fatigue, and kids love playing in the mud. Po Nagar Cham Towers have gentle stone steps with exotic architecture, no strenuous climbing needed. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the bay and share local cultural stories with the kids. The Can Island easy island-hopping trip is gentle, with shallow waters for fish feeding and relaxed water play. Kids over 4 can try shallow snorkeling without seasickness or fuss. 📅4-day relaxed itinerary plan Day 1 Arrive by high-speed rail connection, check in and rest. In the evening, head to the beach to splash and dig in the sand, then visit the night market for street snacks. Day 2 Spend the whole day at Pearl Island. Arrive early to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the attractions. Take the cable car at dusk to see the bay’s evening glow before returning. Day 3 Wake up naturally and enjoy the family mud bath. In the afternoon, visit the Cham Towers for a leisurely walk and relax by the sea breeze. Day 4 Half-day easy sea trip to Can Island for water play. Return to the city for souvenir shopping and end the trip. 🍜Simple food recommendations Mild beef pho without spice suits kids; grilled meat on tiles can be made non-spicy; fresh and affordable boiled seafood. Street-side coconut jelly, avocado milkshakes, and freshly baked baguettes are budget-friendly and refreshing—perfect for everyday cravings. ⚠️Travel tips There are two ways to take the high-speed rail connection: for less effort, take the high-speed rail to Nanning and transfer by plane; for scenic land travel, cross at Dongxing border and transfer to the Vietnam intercity train. For city taxis, choose Grab family cars with child seats and avoid motorbike taxis or unlicensed cars. Bring your own drinking water and snacks to Pearl Island as prices inside are high. Wear old swimsuits for the mud bath as stains are hard to remove. The sun is strong by the sea, so children need sunscreen and water shoes. Avoid pairing seafood with iced drinks to protect kids’ stomachs. Keep the pace slow throughout the trip—no need to rush or check off every spot. Comfort is the priority on vacation.

Fangchenggang in July really knows how to embrace summer 🌊 The sea breeze instantly relaxes you~ This time I specially put together a super practical travel guide. Flip through in any order and start wherever catches your eye 👀 🏨 accommodation guide If you want to see the sea, focus on the harbor area or Bailang Beach. On Trip.com, apartments or sea view homestays rated above 4.8 can be booked for just over 200 yuan in July’s peak season, with rooms that include a small kitchen. You can even cook some snail noodles at night without anyone bothering you 🍜 The apartment I booked this time has a sea view right outside the window. Waking up to the sound of waves in the early morning is something only a few understand! If you plan to visit Dongxing Port for border trade, you can stay one night in Dongxing. Chain hotels there cost just over 100 yuan per person and offer great value. When booking, be sure to check real photos in the reviews. Some “sea views” are actually side views of the sea 😂 Homestays near Bailang Beach are a bit pricier in July, but you can walk to the beach. No need for a taxi to catch the tide or watch the sunrise, totally worth it! 🌊 recommended attractions The strange rock beach must have a name! Black reefs against the blue sea look amazing, especially if you wear a white dress or vintage red. After 4 PM, the light isn’t harsh, and you can even stay for the sunset 🌅 Bailang Beach has fine, soft golden sand and is known as the “top beach in the south.” It’s perfect for running and snapping photos. Just bring a straw hat. Wanwei Golden Beach in Dongxing is quieter with fewer people. When catching the tide, bring a small bucket and hang out there for a full vibe 🦀 Leshan ancient fishing village is an untouched fishing village. You can catch the tide at low tide and stroll through the mangroves to experience fishermen’s life. Dongxing Port is located on the China-Vietnam border. You can look out at Vietnam, visit the border marker, explore the border trade market, taste Vietnamese snacks, and enjoy the exotic atmosphere 🇻🇳 The night view of Xianren Mountain is surprisingly photogenic. The city lights spread out like scattered diamonds. Set up a tripod and shoot long exposures easily. 🦪 food recommendations When in Fangchenggang, seafood is a must! I recommend buying fresh seafood at Qisha Pier or the seafood market and having it cooked at nearby restaurants. This way, you ensure freshness and enjoy authentic flavors ✨ Steamed sea fish, salt and pepper mantis shrimp, garlic oysters, boiled prawns, spicy flower crab… all kinds of seafood are available at reasonable prices. Also, Fangchenggang’s specialty seafood rice noodles are a must-try. In August, the lively shrimp and crabs, along with a variety of fish and shellfish, bring out the ultimate freshness. Cooked with rice noodles, this bowl combines mountain and sea delicacies, with a rich fresh aroma, a smooth fresh taste, and a refreshing sweet aftertaste 🍲 I recommend trying Tangzhen original seafood rice noodles or Zhenji seafood rice noodles. The Vietnamese-style rice rolls are also a must-try. Made from fresh rice batter into thin translucent sheets, wrapped with fillings like pork and wood ear mushrooms, and served with dipping sauce, they are fresh and layered in flavor. This culinary skill comes from the Vietnamese Chinese community and has become a signature snack in Fangchenggang 🥢 ☀️ travel tips In July, the UV index often exceeds 8. High-SPF sunscreen, sun hats, and arm sleeves are essential 🧴 Always carry a foldable umbrella for sudden afternoon showers. Don’t forget mosquito repellent; the seaside bugs can be quite enthusiastic 🦟 When taking taxis, use Trip.com or official platforms. I’ve encountered drivers who overcharge. When buying seafood, insist on a fair scale and watch out for short weights. Don’t trust roadside seafood stalls that solicit customers. Buying and cooking fresh seafood at Qisha fishing port is more cost-effective. In July, coastal Guangxi requires attention to weather changes. For strong convective weather warnings: during thunderstorms, avoid open areas, standing under trees, or near billboards. Drive carefully through flooded roads and never attempt to cross water recklessly 🚗 During typhoon season, do not camp on the beach. Also, remember sun protection and insect prevention. Check the tide table before catching the tide. The best time is one hour before low tide. Bring a small bucket and dig for clams or catch little crabs there for a full experience 🐚 Wear a thin long-sleeve or sun-protective shirt. The midday sun on the beach is no joke. I didn’t reapply sunscreen on the first day, and my shoulders peeled painfully the next day. Fangchenggang is a small city without the noise of trendy seaside cities or inflated prices. July may have occasional showers, but the sea breeze is cooler afterward, seafood is at its best, and the crowd is light. Beautiful scenery and great value 💙 Find the right rhythm, and it’s a rare peaceful coastal gem for summer.

During summer vacation, most people take their kids to the beach or mountain valleys, packed like sardines. But I’ve found a few truly uncrowded and cool spots, from forests in Gansu to fishing villages in Guangxi. The average temperature is 5 to 6 degrees cooler than the city, reachable by high-speed train within 2 hours. Kids can run wild and learn, while parents relax with iced coffee. Avoid the crowded trendy spots—these places show what summer should really be like. 1️⃣ Longnan | Gansu Why head to Gansu in summer? Don’t just focus on the desert—Longnan’s forests make you want to stay. Must-visit checklist for families: Q1: Is Longnan really cool? Early morning at Tianchi in Wen County, the lake is shrouded in mist, and the temperature feels just over 20 degrees, so bring a light jacket. Q2: What to do with kids? 📍The waterfalls in Guan’egou are easy to see, and the narrowest part of the water curtain cave makes kids scream as they rush through. On the mountain road to Sun Temple in Liangdang, walnut trees line the path, and ripe walnuts fall for picking. Q3: What to eat? 🍜 Wen County’s street-side potato paste is chewy, served with spicy pickled vegetable sauce. Kids will try to steal half a bowl. ⚠️ Longnan has many mountain roads, bring motion sickness medicine. 2️⃣ Fangchenggang | Guangxi Guangxi’s sea is much more low-key than Sanya, with far fewer people. Here’s a full-day itinerary: ⏰ Before 10 AM: 📍Jintan Beach in Fangchenggang has coarse sand, but you can dig for sea snails at low tide. Kids can splash barefoot in water that’s just the right temperature—not hot like in Guangdong. At noon, find a local food stall. 🦐 Boiled squid cooked only with ginger is so fresh and sweet it’s like a snack. At 4 PM: 📍Leshan ancient fishing village, where you can see mudskippers jumping among the mangroves. ⏰ Tide rises at 6 PM, so get to the sea viewing platform before then to enjoy the breeze. ⚠️ Don’t buy dried seafood inside the scenic area; prices can double. 🚤 To go fishing, find fishermen at Qisha fishing port to share a boat for about 50 yuan per person. The catch is yours. 3️⃣ Xiangyang | Hubei If you have to choose between Gulongzhong and Tang City, I pick Gulongzhong. It’s easier for kids to see the difference: At Gulongzhong’s Three Visits Hall, you can see a recreated “thatched cottage” scene; nearby stone steps have engraved tablets with “farming” that kids like to count. Tang City is beautifully decorated but full of people in Hanfu costumes posing for photos, which kids find boring. Gulongzhong is worth spending half a day in the “Zhuge grass hut” and “farming field,” where kids can recite the “Chu Shi Biao” while running around. ⚠️ The parking lot at Gulongzhong is a gentle slope from the entrance, stroller-friendly. At noon, head back to the city to try “Zhaoming Li Ji” brown sugar pancakes on Beijie Street. Freshly baked thin pancakes leak syrup with every bite. ⏰ After 3 PM, there’s still time to visit Xiangyang Museum, a free air-conditioned space. 4️⃣ Xing’an League | Inner Mongolia Not Hulunbuir, but Arxan National Forest Park feels even more magical. A few heartfelt moments: At Turtle Back Rock and lava plateau, kids can crouch down to see moss and wildflowers growing in the cracks. Walking from Shitang Forest to Rhododendron Lake, the air smells of pine needles, cooler than any city air conditioning. The boardwalk at Tuofengling Tianchi has few steps, so even a 3-year-old can climb it. ⏰ After 6 PM, walk the Daxing’anling boardwalk where light filters through tree trunks, bathing everything in orange. 🌲 Moss in the fir forest feels soft underfoot without wetting your shoes. ⚠️ Arxan tickets are valid for 2 days. Stay in “Tianchi Town” at the mountain base and keep your ticket for the next day. 🍚 Try the “Mongolian camp” hand-pulled meat in town—rich but not greasy, especially tasty with chive flower sauce. 5️⃣ Huangshan | Anhui Worried about tiring yourself out climbing Huangshan? Focus on ancient Huizhou villages instead. Starting from Tunxi Old Street, you can explore half a day: 📍From Tunxi Old Street, it’s a 40-minute drive to Xidi or Hongcun. One village is enough. I choose Xidi because the Hu Wenguang archway has many stories. Kids listen intently to the guide explaining the “stone monkey holding an official’s hat” carving. In the afternoon, head to the Ancient Huizhou Cultural Tourism Area, where Chengkan and Tangmo villages are close by. ⚠️ Chengkan’s Bagua Village is easy to get lost in. Follow the “Ping’an Road” sign at the village entrance to avoid confusion. ⏰ Return to Tunxi before evening and buy wontons at “Wang Yitiao.” Thin skin and tender filling, kids can drink two bowls of soup. 🍚 Bring your own snacks. The stinky mandarin fish in the scenic area is expensive and not tasty. 🚗 If short on time, one village and a museum are enough for half a day. 6️⃣ Haibei | Qinghai Not very high altitude, the Qilian Mountains in summer feel like stepping into a Windows desktop. Here’s a full-day plan: At 10 AM: 📍Heihe Grand Canyon has emerald water and yak herds nearby. Kids can watch yaks grazing up close, but ⚠️ don’t get too close—yaks have poor eyesight and may charge if startled. At noon, eat liangpi noodles at the entrance of Amindongso Scenic Area. The spicy sauce and chewy noodles cost half the price of inside the park. ⏰ At 3 PM: 📍On the grasslands of Lenglongling, rapeseed flowers bloom endlessly. Kids can roll down the grassy slopes. Bring a windbreaker; it’s windy in the mountains. 🚗 Roads are excellent but gas stations are few. Reminder: book tickets for Zhuo’er Mountain in advance, or you won’t be allowed in after 5 PM. 7️⃣ Shenzhen | Guangdong Heading south in summer? Don’t be fooled—indoor activities in Shenzhen are the real winner for kids. If you choose between Dameisha and Window of the World, I’m team Window of the World: Go to Dameisha beach, but ⚠️ get off before 2 PM. The sand is hot, so wear shoe covers. 🌧️ Rainy day plan? The Overseas Chinese Town Ecological Plaza has the “Hua Art Museum” and “Creative Park” with kids’ craft classes, perfect for an afternoon of painting. If you’re with family, head to the golf course area in Guanlan Lake Leisure Tourism Zone, which has a kids’ grass sledding area and a mini zoo. ⏰ Before 11 AM, no lines for grass sledding. After 3 PM, fewer people and cooler. 🍚 Opposite “M Ji” in Guanlan Lake is “Qiaocheng Xinyuan” dim sum. Kids love the shrimp dumplings and phoenix buns, and it’s more affordable than outside restaurants. 8️⃣ Yancheng | Jiangsu Jiangsu’s most underrated wetland paradise, not hot or sunny. A few heartfelt moments: 📍Dafeng Chinese Père David’s deer park is best for feeding deer at 3:30 PM. The herd slowly walks from the wetlands, and kids can feed them carrot sticks. ⚠️ Don’t use your own leafy greens. The park sells clean small carrots for 5 yuan a pack. At the deepest part of the deer viewing boardwalk, you can see deer rolling in the mud. Kids clap with joy. ⏰ After 5 PM, there’s still time to visit the Yellow Sea Wetland Museum, free and air-conditioned, with bird specimens in glass cases. 🍚 At night, return to the city for a bowl of Dongtai fish soup noodles. The broth is milky and rich, served with two slices of ham and a handful of shrimp roe. Kids can finish both noodles and soup. 🚄 Taxi from Yancheng station to attractions costs about 30 yuan. Book your return ride in advance. In closing, I don’t have much to say: among these eight places, I most recommend Longnan and Xing’an League—one feels like a hidden treasure deep in the forest, the other a fairytale mountain pasture. A summer away from crowds is a trip truly your own. Which place do you most want to take your kids this summer? Let’s chat in the comments.

August flight prices haven’t risen as fast as hotels, but there are 8 places within a 2-hour high-speed train ride where you can stay for just over 100 yuan a night without sacrificing the experience. While others are packed on the beach, you’re enjoying the breeze in ancient village alleys. While others are crowded at popular attractions, you’re stargazing in the desert, cool enough at night to need a jacket. For summer family trips, you don’t have to spend half a month’s salary in Sanya. These 8 places are a real win if you pick the right one. 01 Huangshan City | Anhui Between Hongcun and Xidi, which is better for kids? I choose Xidi. After 9 AM, even the bridge in Hongcun is packed, making strollers hard to maneuver. Xidi’s alleys are wider and the stone paths smoother. After 4 PM, the crowds thin out, and kids can chase pigeons in the square in front of the ancestral hall while you relax on a bamboo chair with tea, cool and quiet. ⏰ Start at 7 AM with Nanhu in Hongcun. Take photos of the reflections before the crowds arrive, then leave before 9 AM and head straight to Chengkan ancient village. Tickets there cost half as much as Hongcun’s. The drying autumn square at the village entrance is a great spot for kids to play for half an hour. Lotus leaf fields and small stone bridges are right by the pond, so it’s not too sunny. 🍜 Have Mao tofu at the entrance of Chengkan village for lunch. The owner fries it fresh—crispy outside, tender inside. Add chili sauce to taste. If you’re not in a rush, rent an audio guide in the Ancient Huizhou Cultural Tourism Area to listen to stories as you walk. Kids won’t get bored. ⚠️ Huangshan’s windy season means the mountaintop often fogs up in the afternoon during summer. If you only visit the flat ancient villages, you can even skip the cable car ticket. 02 Xiangyang City | Hubei Gulongzhong offers a fun “Three Kingdoms challenge” for kids. It’s a half-hour walk from the entrance to the Three Visits Hall, with gentle stone steps suitable for strollers. Let kids find the thatched roof on the cottage and hug the bronze statue of Zhuge Liang—it’s more useful than memorizing lessons. ⏰ Arrive by 8:30 AM to catch the live show “Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage,” which only runs twice a day. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait until the afternoon. After the show, walk up to Kongming’s Qin Hall to rest. There’s a guzheng performance inside, and kids can sit still. 🚄 It’s only a 20-minute taxi ride from Xiangyang East Station to Gulongzhong, costing just over 10 yuan. There’s a small slide in the park that costs 15 yuan to ride down from the mountaintop. Kids will want to go twice. ⚠️ The beef noodles at the park entrance cost twice as much as in the city. Don’t buy them and go hungry. Turn right 200 meters outside the park to “Huangfu Noodle House,” where a bowl costs 15 yuan and the beef offal is generous. 03 Fangchenggang City | Guangxi For a family beachcombing trip, skip the crowded Dongxing and go to Leshan Ancient Fishing Village in Fangchenggang. After the tide recedes, the mudflats are full of small crabs and shells. Kids won’t want to get up once they squat down and can play for two hours. 📍 Navigate to “Leshan Ancient Fishing Village Parking Lot.” It’s a 5-minute walk from the village entrance to the sea. Nearby villagers rent small buckets and shovels for 10 yuan a set, no need to buy in advance. ⏰ After 4:30 PM, the tide just recedes and the light isn’t harsh. Barefoot in the soft sand and mud feels great. A local auntie runs a small stall selling turtle jelly for 5 yuan a bowl, with honey water added. It’s much more refreshing than cold drinks. 🚄 Take the bus from Fangchenggang North Station to the port area. Stay at a guesthouse near the dock for just over 100 yuan a night. You can see fishing lights right from your window in a very quiet setting. 04 Jiuquan City | Gansu Taking kids to Dunhuang can be frustrating if you have to walk in the desert. My plan: ride camels at Mingsha Mountain in the morning, then take a private car to the Mogao Caves Digital Center in the afternoon to avoid the hottest midday sun. ⏰ Mingsha Mountain opens at 7 AM, so leave by 6:30 AM. The sand is still cool at sunrise. Camel rides take about an hour and cost 100 yuan per person. Kids sit in front of adults and enjoy the bumpy ride, which is much easier than walking. ⚠️ Book Mogao Caves tickets two weeks in advance via the official WeChat account. Regular tickets are hard to get during summer. If you can’t get one, buy an emergency ticket that allows access to four caves, which is enough for kids under elementary school age. No photos allowed inside the caves. Don’t sneak pictures; the lighting is too dim anyway. 🍜 For dinner in the city, go to “Daji Donkey Meat Yellow Noodle Restaurant.” A bowl of yellow noodles costs 20 yuan, and a donkey meat sandwich is 10 yuan. It’s filling and affordable. 📍 Yadan Geological Park and Yumen Pass are on the same route. A private car costs 400 yuan for a day, and carpooling is cheaper. It’s windy at Yumen Pass, so bring an extra jacket for the kids. 05 Qinhuangdao City | Hebei Beidaihe or Shanhaiguan: one for sand, one for climbing. If your child is under 6, go straight to Beidaihe’s Laohushi Park. The sand is fine, the water shallow, and you can rent a swim ring to relax all afternoon. ⏰ Arrive before 11 AM. A tent and lounge chair set costs 50 yuan. Use them early without hesitation. After noon, the crowds increase, prices rise, and it’s hard to find shade. ⚠️ Shanhaiguan’s city wall stairs are many and steep. Strollers are out of the question. If your child can’t walk, you’ll have to carry them the whole time. If you must go, visit “Dongluo City” next to the First Pass Under Heaven. The path is flat, less crowded, and you can see the old city’s original look. 🚄 It’s about a 40-minute taxi ride from Qinhuangdao Station to Beidaihe. Stay at a seaside guesthouse for just over 200 yuan on weekends. At night, buy a plate of stir-fried clams for 15 yuan and eat until full. 06 Changchun City | Jilin Rent a family bike at Jingyuetan for 30 yuan an hour. Riding around the lake takes about 2 hours. Kids can sit in the front basket, and the breeze is more comfortable than a car ride. Stop by the lotus pond to buy grilled corn for a cool, happy snack. 📍 In the morning, visit the Puppet Manchurian Palace Museum. It’s air-conditioned inside, stroller-friendly, and kids can’t resist touching the gold-painted murals, so keep an eye on them. You can finish in an hour and a half, then head straight to Changchun World Sculpture Park. Kids can run around the sculptures and the thick grass cushions any falls. ⚠️ The most popular rides at Changying Century City have lines over 30 minutes. With kids, only do the indoor “Huaxia Soaring” and “Interstellar Adventure.” Skip the rest. 🍜 For lunch, go to “Yuanshengju” hot pot on Guilin Road. Portions are large. A serving of lamb costs 30 yuan. Three people can share two meat servings and two bowls of noodles for just over 100 yuan. 07 Baoting County | Hainan Sanya is expensive, but Baoting is a budget-friendly alternative. The Yanoda Rainforest has raised wooden walkways suitable for strollers, surrounded by dense ferns. It’s several degrees cooler than the city. 🍜 The bamboo rice at Betel Nut Valley is freshly grilled and costs 15 yuan each. The rice has a sweet bamboo aroma, and kids can eat most of one. Coconut jelly sold at the entrance costs only 10 yuan, half the price of Sanya. ⏰ Visit the two attractions separately, one per day. Arrive at Betel Nut Valley by 9 AM to watch Li ethnic grandmothers weave Li brocade. In the afternoon, go to Yanoda to play in the waterfalls. Kids wearing water shoes can splash around, doubling the fun. ⚠️ Mosquitoes are fierce in Baoting. Bring insect repellent and avoid using floral-scented lotions—they don’t work. 08 Bazhong City | Sichuan Guangwu Mountain is famous for its autumn foliage, but visiting in August offers excellent summer relief. Temperatures in the mountains are just above 20°C, and it’s not stuffy at noon. Take the kids for a walk along the Peach Blossom Valley plank road, which is downhill and easy. 📍 Take the park shuttle to “Natural Gallery Station.” It’s a 10-minute walk to the viewing platform next to a stream where kids can collect stones and skip rocks. You don’t need to climb to the top; playing in the Bonsai Beach at the foot of the mountain can fill an afternoon. 🚄 It’s about a 1-hour drive from Bazhong city to Guangwu Mountain. Stay at the dam guesthouse at the park entrance for just over 100 yuan a night. The owner makes homemade cured pork rib hot pot, which cost 80 yuan for three people. ⚠️ There are few stalls selling water and snacks in the park. Bring extra water and some cookies to avoid hunger when kids get hungry. The total cost of high-speed train tickets to these 8 places is less than a one-way flight to Sanya. My personal favorites are beachcombing in Fangchenggang and the rainforest in Baoting. The former is the cheapest and most fun for kids, the latter is so cool you won’t want to leave. What other affordable and fun summer spots do you have? Share in the comments—I’m curious.

Friends, take my advice—the right way to experience Fangchenggang is definitely not by rushing into the main entrances of Bailang Beach or the popular Wanwei Golden Beach! The beaches are packed, street food stalls overcharge, and the experience is a total letdown. After a second visit, I discovered the locals’ secret spots—deserted rocky shores, century-old peaceful fishing villages, vast mangrove forests, and border fireworks where you can stand in two countries at once—all in one trip. The best part is most spots are free, the pace is slow and relaxing, perfect for daytime cycling and sea views, and evenings spent enjoying the breeze and affordable seafood. The city’s heat melts away completely. This guide helps you avoid the crowds—no early mornings, no lines, very lazy-friendly! 🚉 How to get around? Long-distance travel + local transport [One] Long-distance travel: High-speed trains from Nanning reach Fangchenggang North Station in 1 hour, and from Beihai in 1.5 hours. Fangchenggang has no commercial airport, so long-distance travelers should fly to Nanning Wuxu Airport first, then transfer to the train. If driving, most parking lots along Jiangshan Peninsula and Qisha are free. [Two] Local transport: 1. Rent an electric scooter for 30–50 RMB/day, ideal for island tours and village visits with flexible stops and photos. 2. Cross-region carpool for 4 people costs 150 RMB/day, convenient for round trips to Dongxing and Shiwanda Mountain. 3. For short trips in the city, use ride-hailing apps with transparent pricing and no overcharging; the bus to Dongxing border costs 5 RMB direct. ⚠️ Important reminder: Fangchenggang’s attractions are very spread out—Golden Beach, Strange Rock Beach, Bailang Beach, Dongxing, and Qisha are tens of kilometers apart, with very few buses. If you’re not driving, prioritize electric scooters or carpooling. Don’t rely on buses. 🏨 Where to stay without risk? Choose based on your needs [One] Port area chain hotels (120–200 RMB/night | top choice) Close to supermarkets and night markets, right by Xiwang Coastal Promenade, with balanced access to all attractions. Quiet and great value. Recommended near Jindi Times Square in the port area, close to Fangchenggang North Station, with full city amenities downstairs. [Two] Wanwei Golden Beach seaside homestays (160–260 RMB/night) Walk to gentle sandy beaches, watch the sunrise over the sea in the morning, and see the Jing ethnic group’s large fishing nets at dusk. [Three] Qisha / Leshan ancient village homestays (140–220 RMB/night) Hidden in original fishing villages, with windows opening to mangroves and rocky shores. Few people, peaceful, and seafood caught and cooked fresh on site. ⚠️ Avoid: Don’t stay in popular sea view rooms along the scenic area streets. Head toward the town’s residential area where prices are half. 🌟 Must-visit hidden spots to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos [One] Qisha Mountain new beach + red lighthouse (free) Ten times quieter than popular beaches, with clear water and long, gentle tidal flats. At low tide, you can hunt for shells. The Japanese-style red rocky lighthouse is perfect for photos without fighting for a spot. Almost no tour groups. [Two] Leshan ancient fishing village (free) A century-old pristine fishing village with oyster shell walls, thousand-year-old banyan trees, and mangrove boardwalks throughout. Very little commercialization. At low tide, join locals to hunt for snails. Evening waves crash on the rocks, creating a cool, healing atmosphere. The village produces sandworms, oysters, blue crabs, and clams. [Three] Strange Rock Beach (Sea Cliffs, free) A whole area of reddish-brown volcanic rocks paired with blue sea, a natural wedding photo spot. The sea has carved the reddish volcanic rock over millions of years into a unique coastal landscape locals call the “sea cliffs.” At sunset, the sun dips over the rocks and sea, waves splash, and you can easily snap stunning photos at this hidden spot. [Four] Xiwang Coastal Promenade + Xianren Mountain Park (free) A local favorite for daily walks, with a long coastline and wide views. Evening orange sunsets fill the sea. The gentle trail up Xianren Mountain offers panoramic views of the bay and the cross-sea bridge at night, all without crowds. [Five] Beilun River estuary mangroves (free) A vast sea forest with boardwalks weaving through, home to flocks of egrets. Kayak through the mangroves, a natural lung cleanse and perfect summer escape. Nearby is the Beilun River estuary national nature reserve, with 12,000 mu of mangroves. [Six] Tuhai art village (free) An abandoned fishing village transformed into a rainbow mural village, with seaside swings and colorful houses, perfect for Instagram photos. Only a 10-minute drive from Bailang Beach, it’s a great way to avoid the main beach crowds. 🍽 Local hidden food gems, no tourist trap prices Head straight to Qisha fishing port and old city streets for authentic eats, with 50 RMB per person to eat your fill, and snacks for just a few RMB to satisfy cravings: [One] Qisha fishing port seafood: In the afternoon when fishing boats return, oysters, mantis shrimp, and flower crabs are very cheap, with a 10 RMB cooking fee for fresh preparation. Fresh flower crab costs about 25 RMB per jin, mantis shrimp about 30 RMB per jin. [Two] Vietnamese chicken pho and baguettes: Dongxing border specialties, sour and spicy, 15 RMB a bowl fills you up. Clear chicken bone broth, silky rice noodles with tender chicken shreds, fresh lime juice, and chili for a refreshing, non-greasy taste. [Three] Pork trotter noodles and seafood noodles: Local breakfast staples with rich broth, locals eat daily. Naliang Auntie’s seafood noodles cost 15 RMB a bowl, incredibly fresh. [Four] Fengchui pancakes, sour crab, locust flower noodles: Affordable street snacks that cool and refresh. Jing ethnic Fengchui pancakes are paper-thin and crispy. [Five] Sandworm porridge and steamed sea fish: Fishing village specialties with maximum freshness. Sandworm meat is chewy, and the porridge is sweet and rich. 🗓 3-day 2-night relaxed itinerary, no early mornings or lines Day 1: Arrive and check in → Afternoon at Strange Rock Beach to explore rocky coast → Evening stroll on Bailang Beach’s black sand → Night walk on Xiwang Promenade to see the cross-sea bridge lights, visit night market for snacks. Day 2: Rent an electric scooter to Qisha fishing port for seafood shopping → Visit Shanxin Beach and red lighthouse → Afternoon at Leshan ancient fishing village for shell hunting. Day 3: Walk through Beilun River estuary mangroves → Stop by Dongxing border to experience border culture, shop for Vietnamese specialties and G7 coffee, stand on the China-Vietnam Friendship Bridge to “step into two countries,” then buy souvenirs for the trip home. 💰 Budget for 3 days 2 nights per person (excluding round-trip train) [One] Accommodation for two nights: 320 RMB [Two] Three meals of seafood and snacks: 260 RMB [Three] Electric scooter and carpool transport: 180 RMB [Four] Miscellaneous experiences and souvenirs: 100 RMB Total about 860 RMB per person, with many free coastal and village spots, unlocking sea, fishing village, and border scenery at low cost. 📝 Practical travel tips [One] Clothing: Strong UV rays by the sea, bring high SPF sunscreen and a sun hat; rocky and mangrove trails are slippery, wear non-slip flat shoes; evenings can be windy, bring a light jacket. [Two] Shell hunting tips: Check tide tables in advance, go to tidal flats at low tide; bring a small bucket and shovel, don’t overharvest shellfish to protect the ecosystem. [Three] Respectful travel: Don’t trample mangrove plants, don’t pick coastal flowers, don’t litter, don’t carve on old fishing village buildings. [Four] Seafood tips: Avoid roadside street food stalls that solicit customers; buy and cook seafood at the fishing port yourself; ask for prices before ordering; bargain when buying seafood. [Five] Off-peak secret: Visit beaches early morning 7–9 AM or after 5 PM when tourists are few and lighting is soft for photos without strangers. [Six] Best season: April to October is best for water activities; winter is also comfortable at 20°C+. Most beaches have free admission. ❤ Honest truth The real romance of Fangchenggang lies in its deserted rocky shores, century-old peaceful fishing villages, vast mangroves, and border fireworks. No noisy tour groups, a slow and easy pace, cycling and sea views by day, and breezy evenings with affordable seafood. Perfect for weekend getaways, family relaxation, or friends’ photo trips. This relaxed route that avoids crowds is the true way to experience Fangchenggang. Save this guide and follow it next time you visit Fangchenggang! See you in the comments if you have questions~❤️

Here’s a super practical 4-day Vietnam travel guide! Enjoy fresh, delicious seafood, take a cruise around Ha Long Bay, visit Paradise Island, Surprise Cave, and Moon Lake, and get a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Plus, explore Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square and Hoan Kiem Lake. Save this now! . Vietnam was once part of ancient Jiaozhi. Today, the streets are filled with the aroma of French baguettes. Don’t miss the chance to visit Hoi An Ancient Town🏯 and Ha Long Bay⛰, where the atmosphere is unbeatable! . 🌊 Itinerary: This trip is packed with activities, letting you see tons of sights in a limited time~ Day 1: Qing Empire border marker no. 1 — Ha Long Bay After checking out the border marker, head to the romantic Ha Long Bay to start your sea paradise adventure. Days 2–3: Ha Long Bay — Luon Cave — Surprise Cave — Paradise Island — Ba Dinh Square — Ho Chi Minh’s former residence — Hoan Kiem Lake — 36 Streets — Tran Quoc Pagoda — Hanoi Cathedral Cruise through Ha Long Bay, explore karst caves and islands, then visit Hanoi’s cultural landmarks and savor fresh seafood. Day 4: End Hanoi trip and return Pack up your memories and head home, concluding your Vietnam journey perfectly. . Must-see attractions: Ha Long Bay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: Vietnam Opening hours: Open all day Recommended visit time: 1–2 days Known as the “Guilin on the sea,” it features countless unique rock formations rising from the water🌊. Experience night squid fishing and enjoy freshly grilled squid under the stars. The best season is from October to April. Ba Dinh Square ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: Hùng Vương, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 10020, Vietnam Opening hours: Open all day Recommended visit time: 1–3 hours The site of major national parades and grand National Day celebrations, offering an incredible atmosphere🇻🇳 Hoan Kiem Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam Opening hours: Open all day Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours A popular spot for locals to relax and stroll, shaded by lush trees🌳. The red Huc Bridge is perfect for photos. Nearby are many historic sites and water puppet shows to explore! 36 Streets ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 2A P. Hàng Bồ, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam Opening hours: 7:00 AM–9:00 PM Recommended visit time: 3–5 hours A true shopping paradise where you can find unique crafts and enjoy a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese snacks🍜. One day is never enough for shopping and eating! Hanoi Cathedral ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 1 P. Nhà Thờ, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 8:00 AM–11:00 AM, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM; closed all day Sunday Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours A medieval Gothic-style building with intricate interior decorations🎄. The Christmas season here is magical, with a giant Christmas tree and light shows in the square, paired perfectly with egg coffee and the night view! . Travel tips: 1. ✈️ Get your Vietnam visa in advance for a smoother entry process. 2. 🌞 July is rainy and humid in Vietnam, so bring sunscreen and rain gear. 3. 🦞 Don’t miss the fresh local seafood, which offers great value! 4. 🚘 From the airport to the city, choose a taxi or shared ride for a hassle-free trip. . 😘 Everyone, book your Vietnam group tour now! Wishing you a fun trip with no regrets~

Who gets it! For a beach vacation with no early mornings, no rushing, and no constant transfers, Fangchenggang is just perfect No crowded spots, friendly prices, gentle sea breeze, and seafood freedom✨ A 3-day 2-night easygoing itinerary designed for the lazy, with a relaxed pace you can copy directly 🌴Basic info 📍Destination: Fangchenggang, Guangxi ⏰Trip length: 3 days 2 nights (can be shortened to 2 days 1 night) 🎯Core idea: avoid midday sun, no back-to-back travel, only 2 key spots per day, plenty of time to relax and chill 🎫All attractions are free! No ticket pressure 🚗Getting around ▪️Main transport: high-speed train direct to Fangchenggang North Station ▪️Best local option: rent a car/charter (most convenient! Attractions are spread out); great value for groups ▪️Alternative: Didi taxi for solo travelers; rent an electric scooter at Jintan or Bailang Beach for a coastal ride 🏨Where to stay (key for those who want to relax) ▫️Day 1 Port area (city center) ✅ best for beginners Fully equipped, supermarkets, seafood markets, and late-night snack shops everywhere, moderate taxi rides to beaches, chain hotels 150–280 RMB ▫️Day 2 Wanwei Jintan homestay Prime sea view, right on the beach, quiet and healing, perfect for sunrise and sunset, many homestays offer seafood cooking services 📅Daily relaxed itinerary | no early wake-ups! Latest departure 9:30 AM Day 1 Leisurely city stroll | first sea encounter · Xiwang + Bailang Beach ▫️2:00 PM Arrive at Fangchenggang North Station → drop off luggage at hotel, rest and nap No rushing right off the train, take it easy first! ▫️4:00 PM Xianren Mountain Park Leisurely hike, gentle trails, not tiring, summit offers panoramic views of Xiwang and the cross-sea bridge, enjoy the sea breeze and chill Duration: 1–1.5 hours ▫️5:30 PM Head to Bailang Beach (black sand beach, 30-minute drive) Rare black sand beach in China! Flat shore, gentle waves, stroll in the surf, rent a beach chair and quietly wait for the orange sea sunset ⚠️Tips: black sand can stain light-colored pants, avoid pure white long pants ▫️7:30 PM Return to city after sunset Dinner: Yuzhouping seafood market, pick your own seafood and have it cooked at a stall, much cheaper than tourist area food stalls Day 2 Border vibes | Dongxing Port + Wanwei Jintan (main event) ▫️9:30 AM Wake up naturally, have breakfast, then head to Dongxing Port (50-minute drive from city) ▫️11:00 AM Dongxing Port | Vietnam-style street Relaxed 2-hour stroll, check out the border gate, browse small shops, buy Vietnamese coffee and dried fruit 🍜Lunch near the port: Vietnamese chicken pho, rolled rice noodles, spring rolls, authentic border snacks ⚠️Avoid: ignore street vendors pushing cheap outbound tours; bargain boldly for souvenirs! ▫️2:00 PM Head to Wanwei Jintan (25-minute drive) Check into homestay, rest in room to avoid the strong sun! A must for those who want to relax ▫️4:30 PM Free time at Wanwei Jintan Ten miles of golden coastline, rent an electric scooter for a coastal ride, stroll the beach, collect shells Wait for the stunning sea sunset, if lucky, see the Jing ethnic fishermen at work ▫️7:00 PM Dinner: food stalls around Jintan, try Jing ethnic wind-blown pancakes and seafood porridge Day 3 Off-the-beaten-path healing | Strange Rock Beach → leisurely return No need to wake early for sunrise! Sleep in and leave when comfortable ▫️10:00 AM Head to Strange Rock Beach "Sea Cliffs of the East" Reddish-brown volcanic reef rocks, waves crashing on the rocks make for amazing photos! Light-colored outfits look great for pictures Duration: 1 hour. Rocks are slippery, wear non-slip shoes, stay away from dangerous edges ▫️12:00 PM Simple meal nearby ▫️2:00 PM Free time If you have energy, visit Lushan ancient fishing village on the way; if you want to relax, head back to the hotel and prepare for departure 🦞Must-try food list ✅Seafood: steamed flower crab, salt and pepper mantis shrimp, garlic oysters, stir-fried clams ✅Local snacks: Vietnamese rolled rice noodles, Vietnamese chicken pho, pig’s feet noodles, shrimp roe pancakes, Jing ethnic wind-blown pancakes ✅Refreshing desserts: locust flower jelly, white corn sweet soup, coconut jelly ⚠️Relaxation tips for the laid-back traveler 1. Seafood warnings: tourist area food stalls charge high premiums, prioritize market self-selection and cooking; confirm cooking fees before ordering to avoid hidden charges 2. Strong UV rays at the beach! Always have high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and arm sleeves ready, avoid long sun exposure after 3 PM 3. Check tide tables in advance if you plan to explore tidal flats! Don’t enter the water blindly, be cautious around reef areas 4. During holidays, taxis are hard to get at Jintan and Bailang Beach in the evening, book vehicles or rent cars in advance 5. Don’t trust roadside touts, spend wisely 📸Recommended photo spots Xianren Mountain viewing platform | Bailang Beach sunset | Dongxing border gate | Wanwei Jintan coastline | Strange Rock Beach reef cluster

As a renowned world natural heritage site known as the "Guilin on the sea," Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is especially suitable for short cross-border team building for companies in Guangxi and Guangdong. There’s no need for long flights. You can conveniently cross the border from Dongxing Port in Guangxi. The itinerary is relaxed without rushing, the scenery is outstanding, and it breaks away from the usual indoor team building. It also brings the team closer amid foreign mountains and seas. Thousands of karst peaks scatter over the clear sea surface. When mist drifts over the peaks, the blue sea and strange rocks weave a natural ink-wash painting. Leaving behind the tension of city work, everyone can unwind in this tranquil sea area and enjoy a relaxed group travel atmosphere. Boat trips are the core team building experience. Everyone boards a cruise together to roam the bay, passing through the scattered peaks and exploring natural caves hidden in the mountains. With the gentle sea breeze, casual conversations, and wide-open views along the way, whether capturing team photos or freely sightseeing in small groups, the relaxed environment enhances interaction and breaks the mold of rigid team building. After landing, the whole group can visit city landmarks. The giant seaside Ferris wheel combined with the cross-sea cable car offers a panoramic view of the entire bay. The continuous peaks and coastline are all in sight. The daytime offers clear and healing coastal scenery, while the evening lights create a full atmosphere, making it easy to capture memorable team building photos. If you want to slow down, you can head to the ancient seaside temple to wait for dusk together. The sunset dyes the sea in warm tones, the evening breeze is gentle and quiet, far from noise and restlessness. Relax your body and mind in the sunset sea view, balancing rest and team bonding. The border crossing process is simple, and the travel threshold is low, making it ideal for Guangxi and Guangdong companies planning 2–3 day short team building trips. With affordable costs to visit a world-class natural seascape, it offers a great travel experience, excellent photo opportunities, and team cohesion, making it a high-quality choice different from regular in-province team building.