Looking for a relaxing getaway in September or October? This place is so quiet you'll feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
Want to relax in September and October? These 8️⃣ places are less crowded and feel like you have the place to yourself
1️⃣ Yantai | Shandong
In September, the sea breeze in Yantai softens, neither sticky nor dry, perfect for making you lazy.
For Penglai Pavilion, I suggest going early. ⏰ Arrive at the East Gate before 7:30 am, before the tour groups arrive, and you can have a section of the city wall all to yourself with a sea view. The pavilion itself isn't large, but its unique location makes it feel like a "fairyland." Just be careful, it's windy, so keep your hat on tight.
For Changdao Island, you need to take a boat, about 40 minutes from Penglai Port. Don't try to do too much on the island; choose either Linhai or Fengshan on the south side. Migratory birds start passing through in September and October, so bringing binoculars is smarter than a selfie stick.
Longkou Nanshan is suitable for bringing elders. The park is ridiculously large, so I recommend taking the sightseeing bus; walking will be exhausting.
⚠️ Food on the mountain is expensive and generally mediocre; bring your own water and bread.
For breakfast, try Penglai noodles (4 yuan a bowl, plus a braised egg) – much better than the hotel buffet. If you want to relax, stay at a guesthouse on Changdao Island. Listen to the waves at night and be woken up by seagulls in the morning – you'll understand once you experience it.
2️⃣ Laibin | Guangxi
Many people haven't even heard of Laibin, which is perfect – less crowded.
Jinxiu Lotus Mountain is the highlight. ⏰ Climbing the mountain early in the morning, before the mist clears, the stone peaks emerge from the fog like casually planted bonsai. The mountain paths are well-maintained; even elderly people can walk slowly, but avoid wearing new shoes as the steps are slippery.
Dayao Mountain Panwangjie is wilder, suitable for those seeking tranquility.
📍 About 20 minutes from the scenic area entrance, there's an old forest where sunlight filters through. Sit and daydream for half an hour, too lazy to even take out your phone.
For transportation, 🚄 it's about a two-hour drive from Laibin North Station to Jinxiu. Driving or hiring a car is recommended, as buses are infrequent and waiting can be frustrating.
⚠️ Signal strength is intermittent in the mountains, so download offline maps beforehand.
Don't miss the Yao ethnic minority's oil tea! The first bite is bitter, the second fragrant, and by the third you'll want another bowl. Stay in Jinxiu County; the nights are so quiet you can hear insects chirping – a blessing for insomniacs.
3️⃣ Zhangzhou|Fujian
This Zhangzhou route features Tulou (earthen buildings) and ancient towns side-by-side, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
I highly recommend staying overnight in Yunshuiyao. ⏰ By evening, the tourists have dispersed, leaving only the sound of waterwheels and a few ducks by the stream. Before 7 am, the stone-paved path is empty, so you don't have to wait for photos.
⚠️ Dragging a suitcase along the cobblestone path will make you question your existence; backpacks are recommended.
For Nanjing Tulou, just visit Tianluokeng and Yunshuiyao; seeing too many will lead to aesthetic fatigue.
📍 The best light at the Tianluokeng viewing platform is around 4 PM, ensuring your "four dishes and one soup" photo doesn't come out blurry.
The Binhai Volcanic National Geopark is best visited in the evening; the black reefs against the sunset are stunning, and the strong winds will wake you up.
🚄 From Zhangzhou Station, it's recommended to share a ride or drive to various attractions; taking public transportation and transferring is too tiring.
🍜 In town, try Hakka stuffed tofu and taro dumplings; the average cost is around 30-40 RMB per person. If you want to relax, choose a guesthouse in a Tulou; enjoy stargazing in the courtyard at night. Be aware of mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent.
4️⃣ Linxia | Gansu
Linxia is the most easily overlooked stop on this trip, but it's truly amazing.
Liujiaxia Tourist Resort: ⏰ Go after 4 PM; the sun shines obliquely on the reservoir, turning the water a beautiful blue-green—more stunning than a filter. A boat trip on the lake takes about two hours; be prepared for the wind and don't forget your jacket.
To enter Bingling Temple, you need to take a boat from the Liujiaxia Dam pier, a journey of over an hour each way. The grottoes are carved into the cliff face, exuding a strong sense of history. ⚠️ The walkways are narrow; those afraid of heights should stick to the inner side. Ticket prices and the number of open caves are subject to official announcements on the day.
For food, try Linxia's hand-pulled mutton and Hezhou steamed buns. The mutton isn't gamey; just dip it in salt and pepper. You can visit the Eight Squares and Thirteen Alleys along the way, but avoid weekends as they are crowded with locals.
This place is suitable for those who don't want to climb mountains and just want to see the water and grottoes. Stay in Linxia city and take a walk along the Daxia River in the evening—it's cool, less crowded, and peaceful.
5️⃣ Tongren|Guizhou
Fanjingshan Mountain is most beautiful in September and October, with a high probability of a sea of clouds and fewer crowds than in the summer.
⏰ Arrive early, before 7 AM at the mountain gate to save an hour in the cable car queue. The steps to the Red Cloud Golden Summit are steep; using your hands and feet is not shameful. ⚠️ The stone steps are slippery in the rain, so non-slip shoes are essential.
The Mushroom Rock is a landmark, but don't just focus on it. 📍 The Old Golden Summit area is less crowded and offers a wider view. The weather on the mountain is unpredictable, so a raincoat is more useful than an umbrella.
🚄 It's about an hour's drive from Tongren Station to Fanjingshan; carpooling is convenient. It's recommended to book tickets and cable car tickets online in advance; buying them on-site may result in missed times. Refer to the official announcement for the day's bookings.
🍜 Enjoy the crispy rice noodles and rice tofu at the foot of the mountain—they're sour and spicy, and very appetizing. Stay at Zhaisha Dong Village; it's quiet at night, and in the morning, you'll see mountain mist when you open your window. If you're not physically fit, don't push yourself too hard on the cable car.
6️⃣ Shizuishan|Ningxia
Shahu Lake is a place where half sand and half water—a contradiction in sound, but captivating in appearance.
⏰ Go in the morning; the light is soft, and there are many water birds in the reed beds. Taking a boat through the reeds, the wind rustles through the entire expanse—more effective than any white noise.
📍 Be quiet near Bird Island, or the birds will all fly away.
On the desert side, you can ride camels and sandboard, but ⚠️ the sandboarding queues are long and the experience is short, so I don't recommend it. Taking a couple of photos and leaving is more cost-effective.
🚄 It's about an hour's drive from Yinchuan; driving is the most convenient option. September and October aren't hot, but the UV rays are still there, so don't forget your hat and sunglasses.
🍜 The food in the scenic area is so-so; I recommend going back to Dawukou for cold noodles and hand-pulled noodles. If you want to relax, come in the afternoon, sit by the lake watching the reflections of the sand dunes, do nothing, and an hour will fly by.
7️⃣ Taizhou|Jiangsu
Taizhou is the kind of city that "doesn't have many major attractions, but is very comfortable to stay in," and Zhenhu Lake is its trump card.
⏰ Enter Zhenhu Wetland at 8 am when it opens. The mist hasn't dissipated yet, and you'll only see egrets on the boardwalk. Take a ride on a traditional rowboat; the boatwoman will sing a few lines—whether you understand them or not is another matter, but the atmosphere is perfect.
📍 The metasequoia forest in the wetland starts to change color at the end of September, turning a green tinged with yellow, which is more beautiful than when it's completely red.
⚠️ There are many mosquitoes; long pants and mosquito repellent are essential.
🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Taizhou Station to Zhenhu Lake. In the city center, you can stroll along the old streets and have morning tea. 🍜 A set meal of dried bean curd, fish soup noodles, and crab roe buns is cheaper than in Yangzhou, and less crowded.
This place is perfect for bringing parents; if they can't walk anymore, they can take a boat—the pace is just right. Staying in the city center, I took an evening stroll along the Fengcheng River. Under the bridge arches, someone was singing opera; listening to it made me sleepy.
8️⃣ Lishui|Zhejiang
Three places in Lishui: Yunhe Terraces, Jinyun Xiandu, and Qingtian Shimen Cave. Choose one to visit; don't try to do too many.
Yunhe Terraces: ⏰ Go to the Jiuqu Yunhuan viewing platform before sunrise. The clouds and mist climb up from the valley floor, illuminating the terraces layer by layer.
⚠️ The mountain roads are winding; drive slowly. The rice starts to turn yellow at the end of September, and is at its most vibrant color in October.
Jinyun Xiandu is best visited in the afternoon. 📍 Take photos of the reflection at the foot of Dinghu Peak. In the morning, you can see an old farmer leading his ox on the stone bridge at Zhutan Mountain, but it depends on luck and the time of day. Ticket and shuttle bus rules are subject to official announcements on the day.
Qingtian Shimen Cave is less popular. The waterfall and cliff carvings are so few in number you can hear your own footsteps.
🚄 Lishui's attractions are scattered, so driving is recommended; public transportation takes too much time.
🍜 Jinyun sesame seed cakes are best eaten hot, filled with preserved mustard greens, and cost 5 yuan each. If you want to relax, stay in a guesthouse near the rice terraces; there's no light pollution at night, and the stars are unrealistically numerous.
These eight places are best visited in September or October—less crowded, prices are stable, and you can relax. Pick one, book a ticket, and figure out the rest when you get there.
Want to relax in September or October? These 8️⃣ places are so quiet you'll have the place to yourself!
1️⃣ Yantai | Shandong
In September, the sea breeze in Yantai softens, becoming neither sticky nor dry, perfect for making you lazy.
I suggest going to Penglai Pavilion early. ⏰ Arrive at the East Gate before 7:30 am, before the tour groups arrive, and you can have a section of the city wall all to yourself while watching the sea. The attic itself isn't large, but its unique location makes it feel almost like a "fairyland." Just be careful, it's windy, so keep your hat on tight.
To get to Changdao Island, you need to take a boat. It's about a 40-minute ride from Penglai Port. Don't try to see everything on the island; choose either Linhai or Fengshan on the southern route. Migratory birds start passing through in September and October, so bringing binoculars is smarter than a selfie stick.
Longkou Nanshan is suitable for bringing elders. The park is ridiculously large, so I recommend taking the sightseeing bus; walking will leave you exhausted.
⚠️ Food on the mountain is expensive and generally mediocre, so bring your own water and bread.
For breakfast, try Penglai noodles (4 yuan a bowl with a braised egg) – much better than the hotel buffet. If you want to relax, stay at a Changdao guesthouse. Listen to the waves at night and be woken up by seagulls in the morning – you'll understand once you experience it.
2️⃣ Laibin|Guangxi
Many people haven't even heard of Laibin, which is perfect—less crowded.
Jinxiu Lotus Mountain is the highlight. ⏰ Climbing the mountain early in the morning, before the mist dissipates, the stone peaks emerge from the fog like casually planted bonsai. The mountain paths are well-maintained; even the elderly can walk slowly, but avoid wearing new shoes as the steps are slippery.
Dayao Mountain Panwangjie is a bit wilder, suitable for those seeking tranquility.
📍 About 20 minutes from the scenic area entrance, there's an old forest where sunlight filters through. You can sit and daydream for half an hour, too lazy to even take out your phone.
Regarding transportation, 🚄 it's about a two-hour drive from Laibin North Station to Jinxiu. Driving or hiring a car is recommended, as buses are infrequent and waiting can be tiring.
⚠️ Signal strength on the mountain is intermittent; download an offline map beforehand.
Don't miss the Yao-style oil tea. The first sip is bitter, the second fragrant, and by the third, you'll want another bowl. Staying in Jinxiu County, the nights are so quiet you can hear the insects chirping—a blessing for insomniacs.
3️⃣ Zhangzhou|Fujian
This Zhangzhou route features Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings) and ancient towns side-by-side, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
I recommend staying overnight in Yunshuiyao. ⏰ By evening, the tourists have dispersed, leaving only the sound of waterwheels and a few ducks by the stream. Before 7 AM, the stone-paved path is empty, so you don't have to wait for a photo.
⚠️ Dragging a suitcase along the cobblestone path will make you question your existence; backpacks are recommended.
For Nanjing Tulou, choosing Tianluokeng and Yunshuiyao is enough; seeing too many will lead to aesthetic fatigue.
📍 The best light at the Tianluokeng viewing platform is around 4 PM; this is the best time to take a clear photo of your "four dishes and one soup" (a traditional Chinese dish).
The Binhai Volcanic National Geopark is best visited in the evening; the black reefs against the sunset are stunning, and the strong winds will wake you up.
🚄 For getting to various attractions from Zhangzhou Station, it's recommended to carpool or drive yourself; taking public transportation and transferring is too tiring.
🍜 In town, try Hakka stuffed tofu and taro dumplings; the average cost is around 30-40 RMB per person. If you want to relax, choose a guesthouse in a Tulou (earthen building); enjoy stargazing in the courtyard at night. Be aware of mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent.
4️⃣ Linxia | Gansu
Linxia is the most easily overlooked stop on this trip, but it's truly amazing.
Liujiaxia Tourist Resort: ⏰ Go after 4 PM. The sun shines obliquely on the reservoir, making the water a beautiful blue-green color, even more stunning than a filter. A boat trip on the lake takes about two hours; be prepared for the wind and don't forget your jacket.
Bingling Temple requires a boat ride. 🚄 Depart from Liujiaxia Dam Wharf, the journey takes over an hour each way. The grottoes are carved into the cliff face, exuding a strong sense of history. ⚠️ The walkways are narrow; those afraid of heights should stick to the inner side. Ticket prices and the number of open caves are subject to official announcements on the day.
For food, try the hand-pulled mutton from Linxia and the steamed buns from Hezhou. The mutton isn't gamey; just dip it in salt and pepper. You can visit the Eight Squares and Thirteen Alleys along the way, but avoid weekends as they get crowded with locals.
This place is suitable for those who don't want to climb mountains and just want to see the water and caves. Stay in Linxia city and take a walk along the Daxia River in the evening—it's cool, less crowded, and peaceful.
5️⃣ Tongren|Guizhou
Fanjingshan is most beautiful in September and October, with a high probability of a sea of clouds and fewer crowds than in the summer.
⏰ Be sure to arrive early, before 7 am, to save an hour queuing time for the cable car. The steps to the Red Cloud Golden Summit are steep; using your hands and feet is not shameful. ⚠️ The stone steps are slippery in the rain, so non-slip shoes are essential.
Mushroom Rock is a landmark, but don't just focus on it. 📍 The area towards the Old Golden Summit is less crowded and offers a wider view. The weather on the mountain is unpredictable, so a raincoat is more useful than an umbrella.
🚄 It's about an hour's drive from Tongren Station to Fanjingshan; carpooling is convenient. It's recommended to book tickets and cable car tickets online in advance, as buying them on-site may result in missed times. Refer to the official announcement for the day's bookings.
🍜 At the foot of the mountain, try the crispy rice noodles and rice tofu—the sour and spicy flavors are appetizing. Stay at Zhaisha Dong Village; it's quiet at night, and in the morning, you'll see mountain mist when you open your window. If you're not physically fit, don't push yourself too hard on the cable car.
6️⃣ Shizuishan|Ningxia
Shahu Lake is half sand and half water—a contradictory sight, but captivating to behold.
⏰ Go in the morning; the light is soft, and there are many water birds in the reed beds. Take a boat through the reeds; the wind rustles through the reeds—better than any white noise.
📍 Be quiet near Bird Island, or all the birds will fly away.
You can ride camels and sandboard in the desert, but ⚠️ the sandboarding queues are long and the experience is short, so I don't recommend it. It's more cost-effective to take a couple of photos and leave.
🚄 It's about an hour's drive from Yinchuan, and driving is the most convenient option. September and October aren't hot, but the UV rays are still there, so don't forget your hat and sunglasses.
🍜 The food in the scenic area is so-so. I recommend going back to Dawukou for cold noodles and hand-pulled noodles. If you want to relax, come in the afternoon, sit by the lake watching the reflections of the sand dunes, do nothing, and an hour will fly by.
7️⃣ Taizhou|Jiangsu
Taizhou is the kind of city that "doesn't have many big attractions, but is very comfortable to stay in," and Zhenhu Lake is its trump card.
⏰ Enter Zhenhu Wetland as soon as it opens at 8 am. The fog hasn't dissipated yet, and you'll only see egrets on the boardwalk. Take a leisurely ride in a traditional rowboat; the boatwoman might sing a few lines—whether you understand them or not is another matter, but the atmosphere is perfect.
📍 The metasequoia forest in the wetlands begins to change color at the end of September, turning a yellowish-green, more pleasing to the eye than when it's completely red.
⚠️ Be aware of mosquitoes; long pants and mosquito repellent are essential.
🚄 A taxi from Taizhou Station to Zhenhu Lake takes about 40 minutes. In the city center, you can stroll along the old streets and enjoy morning tea—🍜 hot dried bean curd, fish soup noodles, and crab roe buns—a set meal is cheaper than in Yangzhou and less crowded.
This place is perfect for bringing parents; if they can't walk, they can take a boat—the pace is just right. If you stay in the city center, take an evening stroll along the Fengcheng River; you can hear opera performances under the bridges, which can easily lull you to sleep.
8️⃣ Lishui|Zhejiang
Lishui has three attractions: Yunhe Terraces, Jinyun Xiandu, and Qingtian Shimen Cave. Choose whichever you visit; don't try to visit too many. Yunhe Terraces: ⏰ Arrive at the Jiuqu Yunhuan viewing platform before sunrise. The clouds and mist climb from the valley floor, illuminating the terraces layer by layer.
⚠️ The mountain roads are winding; drive slowly. The rice starts to turn yellow at the end of September, reaching its peak color in October.
Jinyun Xiandu is best visited in the afternoon. 📍 Take photos of the reflection at the foot of Dinghu Peak. In the morning, you can see farmers leading cattle across the stone bridge at Zhutan Mountain, but it depends on luck and the time of day. Ticket and shuttle bus rules are subject to official announcements on the day.
Qingtian Shimen Cave is less popular, featuring waterfalls and cliff carvings. It's so quiet you can hear your own footsteps.
🚄 Points of interest in Lishui are scattered; driving is recommended, as public transport transfers are too time-consuming.
🍜 Jinyun sesame seed cakes are best eaten hot, filled with preserved mustard greens, and cost 5 yuan each. For a relaxing experience, stay in a guesthouse near the terraces; there's no light pollution at night, and the stars are unrealistically numerous. These eight places are best visited in September or October—less crowded, prices are stable, and you won't feel rushed. Pick one, book a ticket, and figure out the rest when you get there.