Bored of staying home during the 8-day National Day Golden Week but dreading the tourist crush? No worries—I’ve scoured countless travel guides and curated 9 off-the-beaten-path destinations in China that promise fewer crowds, breathtaking scenery, and unique vibes. Perfect for a serene autumn escape in October 2025, these spots let you recharge without the chaos. Whether you’re chasing Instagram-worthy nature shots, craving authentic local flavors, or just want to unwind, there’s something here to make your holiday unforgettable.
I. For Photography Buffs and Nature Lovers: Hit These 3 Stunning Spots!
If capturing epic landscapes and serene vibes is your jam, these hidden gems in China offer world-class beauty minus the lines—ideal for autumn foliage and fresh air during National Day 2025.
★ Fujian Taining: Don’t sleep on this underrated gem—it’s a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and Global Geopark, boasting jaw-dropping water Danxia landscapes that rival Wuyi Mountain’s drama. The highlight? Ganlu Rock Temple, a gravity-defying architectural marvel perched on sheer cliffs, held up by just a single 10-meter wooden beam—no nails or mortar needed. It’s pure magic for photos, especially with the misty rivers and karst peaks glowing in October light.
★ Gansu Longnan: Forget Gansu’s endless deserts; head south to Longnan for a painterly autumn wonderland. In October 2025, Guange Valley explodes with colorful forests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear pools that look like a living oil painting. Summit Wenshan Tianchi for turquoise waters shimmering like glazed tiles amid misty peaks—it’s江南-style beauty without the Jiangsu crowds, perfect for peaceful hikes and golden-hour shots.
★ Sichuan Aba Maoxian: Just a 1-hour high-speed train from Chengdu, this Qiang ethnic enclave is Sichuan’s secret “Little Jiuzhai.” Come autumn 2025, Songping Valley’s rainbow-hued waters and surrounding maple forests create a kaleidoscope of colors. Cap it off with the ancient Qiang city’s opening ceremony—thumping sheepskin drums and vibrant dances that ignite your spirit. Low-key entry fees mean high-reward adventure for solo travelers or small groups.
II. Foodies Alert: Indulge in These 2 Culinary Hotspots!
Craving flavors that hit different? Skip the tourist traps and dive into these authentic eats at off-the-beaten-path destinations—National Day 2025 is prime time for savoring China’s regional specialties without reservations.
★ Guangdong Chaozhou: Attractions? Meh. Come for the food—Chaozhou’s Teochew cuisine is a flavor bomb worth the trip alone. Start your day with beef kway teow: silky noodles in a broth so rich it’ll curl your toes, infused with tender beef essence. Lunch demands sliced beef hotpot—melt-in-your-mouth cuts that are juicy perfection; one bite and you’re hooked. Evening calls for braised goose as a tapas-style snack—aromatic and lingering, though a tad pricey. It’s subtle, fresh, and utterly addictive.
★ Zhejiang Haining: Lock in these three must-tries for a taste of Zhejiang’s soulful home cooking. Breakfast: shredded pork noodles with huangjiu rice wine—slurp the savory strands, chase with a sip of the bold brew for that invigorating, no-fuss kick. Don’t miss vat-braised pork belly (缸肉), slow-cooked for hours in earthenware until it bursts with fatty, caramelized goodness. Finish with shrimp and eel stir-fry: bouncy prawns meet silky eel in a fresh explosion that’ll have you licking your lips long after. Timeless, hearty eats in a laid-back setting.
III. Pure Chill Vibes: These 4 Spots for Ultimate Downtime!
Want to unplug and let the world fade? These relaxed retreats in China are tailor-made for low-effort lounging during the 2025 Golden Week—think scenic drifts, wildlife whimsy, and slow-paced charm.
★ Guangxi Chongzuo: Tune into the roar of Detian Transnational Waterfall, Asia’s largest cross-border cascade, then meander the border markets for quirky cross-cultural finds. Rent an e-scooter for aimless spins along Nongshui Rice Terrace roads, or hop a bamboo raft for a lazy river float—gazing at karst peaks and drifting clouds restores that elusive sense of calm.
★ Yunnan Pu’er: Beyond its famous tea, Pu’er is a family-friendly haven in southern Yunnan. Swing by Sunhe River Forest Park in October 2025 for uncaged red pandas roaming free like office commuters— they might even nuzzle up for pets! It’s interactive magic for kids and adults alike, blending lush trails with zero-pressure playtime.
★ Inner Mongolia Arxan: Skip the hyped north; Arxan’s autumn 2025 canvas is a golden blaze of birch and larch forests, like a festive woodland party. Level up with volcanic hot springs: soak in steaming pools overlooking amber hills, steam rising like ethereal fog— the ultimate “warm inside, autumn outside” bliss for dodging holiday hordes.
★ Guizhou Duyun: Unfamiliar? It’s the filming backdrop for hits like Joy of Life and The Untamed, dripping with cinematic allure. Stroll Shiban Ancient Street for fresh-pounded sticky rice cakes (糍粑)—chewy, sweet bites straight from the mortar. Settle into a riverside teahouse with Duyun Maojian green tea, sipping slowly as the afternoon unfolds in unhurried haze. This is everyday poetry, pure and restorative.
These off-the-beaten-path travel picks in China ensure your National Day holiday 2025 is all joy, no jostle—immersive nature, soul-satisfying bites, and heart-easy hangs. Share this with your crew to banish their “where to go?” blues and craft epic memories together!
References
- Trip.com: Fujian Taining Travel Guide 2025
- Asia Odyssey Travel: Gansu Longnan Autumn Tips
- Trip.com: Sichuan Maoxian Aba Attractions
- TravelChinaGuide: Chaozhou Food Guide
- Trip.com: Haining Local Cuisine
- TripAdvisor: Chongzuo Detian Waterfall
- Klook: Pu’er Family Tours
- Trip.com: Arxan Hot Springs
- Trip.com: Duyun Filming Locations
