Looking for destinations with fewer crowds this National Day and Mid-Autumn holiday? If you want to escape the usual tourist spots, here are six cities in China worth visiting this year.
1. Qinzhou, Guangxi
From Nanning, you can reach Qinzhou by high-speed train. Although it’s close to Beihai, it’s less known, so fewer tourists.
- Historic Sites: Explore Qinzhou Old Street, Guangzhou Guild Hall, Pingnan Ancient Ferry, Yima Road Clock Tower, Zhongshan Road Arcade Street, Qinzhou Bookstore, and Zhan’ao Alley.
- Nature Spots: Xili Bay boasts clear waters that shimmer under sunlight; sunsets here turn the sky a warm orange.
- Wildlife & Nature: Take a boat at Sanniang Bay—you might spot the Chinese white dolphin. Mao Wei Hai Mangroves offer bamboo raft rides through “sea forests,” and Bazhaigou lets you wade through streams and waterfalls with abundant negative ions.
2. Gejiu, Yunnan
Known as “Hegang in the north, Gejiu in the south,” this tin-mining town feels frozen in the 1990s. Life here is slow-paced, with delicious local snacks everywhere. High-speed trains make it easy to reach.
- Top Attractions: A 3-minute ride on the 1-yuan cable car to Laoyinshan for city views. Stroll around Jinhu Park’s lakeside paths.
- Museums: The Gejiu Museum features a mysterious bronze peacock lamp and a tin mining history exhibition.
- Local Snacks: Don’t miss sugar-coated meat skewers, boiled meat rice noodles, Zhadian fresh milk, creamy local wine, and sourjiang pancakes.
3. Sanming, Fujian
Just an hour by train from Fuzhou, this green, tranquil city offers a perfect escape.
- Scenic Spots: Sha Xi River reeds sway in the wind; rent a bike along the river. Pause at Lietong Bridge to watch fishermen pull in nets.
- Historic Villages: Xinkou Ancient Village sits at the foot of a mountain, with centuries-old camphor trees. Follow stone steps to a waterfall and sit on rocks to enjoy the calming sound of flowing water.
4. Yingkou, Liaoning
Located along the Bohai Bay near Dalian, this coastal city offers seaside charm with fewer crowds.
- Nature & Scenery: Xianren Island’s black rocks and shell beaches are photogenic.
- Attractions: Visit Shanhai Square to see the “Balyu Princess,” walk along the sea bridge, or explore Xipao Fort overlooking the Liaodong estuary. Jinsha Beach is clean and offers a variety of water activities.
5. Hailing Island, Yangjiang, Guangdong
Often compared to Hainan for its stunning scenery, Hailing Island features fine white sand beaches and endless cliffside ocean views.
- Scenic Spots: “Hawaii at Sea” European-style buildings and nearby islands make for great photos.
- Beaches & Nature: Beiluo Secret Beach has clear blue waters. Explore mangrove wetlands and walk on sea bridges connecting islands.
- Culture: Visit the Maritime Silk Road Museum to see 800-year-old Song Dynasty ships and preserved porcelain. Ten-Mile Silver Beach is perfect for strolling under coconut trees or enjoying water sports.
6. Huai’an, Jiangsu
With canals flowing for over a thousand years, life in Huai’an moves at a gentle pace.
- Canal Culture: Stroll along the Liyunhe Cultural Corridor at sunset. Sit at the old Qingjiangpu wharf and watch the sun paint the river red as boats leave ripples in the water.
- Historic Towns: He Xia Ancient Town features clean cobblestone streets and local artisans making tea snacks. Stop by a teahouse near Wu Cheng’en’s former residence to enjoy a slow, local lifestyle.
References:
- Qinzhou Tourism Guide, Guangxi Travel Bureau, 2022
- Gejiu City Travel Tips, Yunnan Culture & Tourism, 2021
- Sanming Scenic Spots & Villages, Fujian Tourism, 2021
- Yingkou Coastal Travel Guide, Liaoning Provincial Tourism, 2021
- Hailing Island Tourism Highlights, Guangdong Travel Bureau, 2022
- Huai’an Canal Culture and Ancient Towns, Jiangsu Tourism, 2021
