Travel forecasts predict that during the eight-day National Day holiday in 2025, hundreds of millions of Chinese travelers will hit the road, rivaling half the scale of Spring Festival migrations. This figure only accounts for plane and train travelers, not the countless others driving or taking buses. Most are heading for tourist hotspots like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and trendy cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, or transport hubs like Zhengzhou, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Changsha, where crowds often mean seeing more “heads than sights.”
If you want to avoid the crush but don’t want to waste your holiday at home, here are five under-the-radar destinations across East, North, South, Southwest, and Northwest China. These cities fly under the radar even within their provinces, offering breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and solid infrastructure—perfect for a peaceful yet fulfilling National Day getaway.
1. East China | Xuancheng, Anhui
While many flock to Anhui’s Huangshan, nearby Xuancheng remains a hidden gem. It lacks a blockbuster attraction but boasts Jingting Mountain, dubbed “the top poetic mountain of the South” thanks to Li Bai’s poem Sitting Alone by Jingting Mountain. In Jingxian County, Peach Blossom Pond evokes Tang Dynasty romance, ideal for soaking in poetic vibes. For a quieter stop, head to Ningguo’s Fangtang Township to see if the thousand-acre dawn redwood forest has turned golden.
Xuancheng’s cultural heart lies in Jixi County, once part of Huizhou Prefecture. As the birthplace of Xuan paper, Jixi is also the cradle of Hui opera, Hui ink, and Hui cuisine, and the hometown of merchant Hu Xueyan and scholar Hu Shi. Visit Longchuan Village’s ancient ancestral hall, dubbed “the finest in South China,” or hike the Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail used by merchants centuries ago. For road-trippers, the Wannan-Tibet Route, known as the “Sky Road of South China,” is a must.
2. North China | Changzhi, Shanxi
Shanxi’s tourism spotlight shines on Datong, Wutaishan, and Jinzhong’s merchant mansions, but Changzhi, nestled in the southeast Taihang Mountains, offers a quieter allure. Known historically as Shangdang, it blends rich heritage with stunning landscapes. The Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon in Huguan County bundles attractions like Baquan Gorge, Red Bean Gorge, Black Dragon Pool, Qinglong Gorge, and Zituan Mountain. Baquan Gorge’s waterfalls and serene lakes rival Henan’s Yuntaishan but draw far fewer visitors.
In Pingshun County, explore national treasures like Tiantai Temple and Dayun Temple, or marvel at South Taihang landscapes in Shenlong Bay and Tongtian Gorge. Self-drivers can follow the Zhuozhang River valley to ancient sites like Yuanqi Temple, Futou Temple, and Longmen Temple, experiencing Shanxi’s “open-air museum” without the crowds of Wutaishan or Pingyao. Need more? Nearby Jinzhong offers plenty to fill an eight-day itinerary.
3. South China | Qingyuan, Guangdong
Qingyuan, bordered by Shaoguan to the north and Guangzhou to the south, is often called Guangzhou’s backyard. Linked to Pearl River Delta cities like Foshan and Zhaoqing, it’s famed for culinary chicken dishes, river rafting, and hot springs. Its karst landscapes shine in Yingxi Peak Forest, dubbed “Little Guilin of North Guangdong,” where self-driving or cycling reveals stunning views around Jiulong Town. Baojing Palace in Yingde and Lianzhou’s underground river showcase Qingyuan’s karst diversity. Extend your trip to Shaoguan’s Danxia Mountain or Chenzhou’s Xiaodong River for variety.
Qingyuan’s waters are a highlight: Xuanzhen, Huangteng, Gulong, and Qinglong gorges offer thrilling rafting, perfect for late-season adventures in South China’s mild autumn. Hot springs abound, from Yingde’s tree-top and cave springs to countless resorts across the region. Adrenaline junkies flock to net-famous spots like Tianmen Glass Bridge, Huangchuan Three Gorges Glass Bridge, and Gulong Gorge’s circular glass skywalk.
4. Southwest China | Ya’an, Sichuan
Ya’an is synonymous with outdoor haven Niubei Mountain, now a revamped free scenic area, though Sirentong Mountain is the new go-to for free vistas. Ya’an offers enough to fill four or five days, with nearby sites easily extending to eight. Start with Ya’an’s “three treasures”—rain, fish, and local charm—worth a day in the city. Shangli Ancient Town, a Southern Silk Road stop, feels like a江南 stroll along its riverside streets.
Bifeng Gorge is Ya’an’s grandest spot, home to a panda conservation base for close encounters with these cuddly giants, plus quirky cliffs, waterfalls, and a zoo that can fill a day. Mengding Mountain, shrouded in mist, is a tea culture hub where strolling through oxygen-rich tea gardens feels like a lung-cleansing retreat.
5. Northwest China | Baoji, Shaanxi
Known historically as Chencang, Baoji sits at the western edge of Shaanxi’s Guanzhong Plain, steeped in Xifu culture. Spend days exploring the Bronze Ware Museum for Zhou Dynasty rituals, Famen Temple for Buddha’s finger relic, Zhougong Temple and Zhuge Liang Temple in Qishan, or Liuying Village for traditional clay figurine crafting.
Venture further to climb Taibai Mountain, Qinling’s main peak, for panoramic views of China’s north-south divide. Experience Shaanxi’s highland meadows at Guanshan Grassland in Longxian or Zibai Mountain in Fengxian, or spot pandas in Huangbaiyuan’s forests. Rail enthusiasts can visit Lingguan Gorge or Guanyin Mountain, featured in textbooks and films.
These five cities share key traits: proximity to first- or second-tier cities for easy access by car or high-speed rail, relatively low tourist traffic with mature hospitality, and diverse attractions allowing flexibility between popular and offbeat sites. They’re your ticket to dodging the National Day crowds while enjoying unforgettable scenery.
