July Reverse Travel｜4 Underrated Top-tier Cities, Experience Luxury on a Low Budget!

In the height of summer in July, when popular attractions are crowded and accommodation prices soar, do you long for a deep exploration that avoids the hustle and doesn’t hurt your wallet? These low-key yet charming underrated cities are the perfect answer for you! 1. Chenzhou, Hunan · A Cool Wonderland of Danxia Mountains and Waters **Why underrated but worth it?** Karst landscapes comparable to Guilin, rare alpine grasslands, and costs only half of popular scenic spots! **💡 Budget Travel Highlights for 3 Days** * **Day 1:** Immerse in the morning mist spectacle at **Mist-covered Xiaodongjiang** (enter before 6 AM, ticket 80 RMB) > Hike the magical Danxia at **Gaoyiling** (ticket 70 RMB, stunning evening light) * **Day 2:** Climb to the summit of **Mangshan Wuzhifeng** for a sea of clouds walk (ticket + cable car 160 RMB, cool mountain breeze) > Bike around the lake in Bailang Town, enjoy the "Little Erhai" scenery (bike rental 20 RMB/hour) * **Day 3:** Horseback ride on the **Yangtianhu Grassland** (ticket 80 RMB, lush greenery in July) **🍜 Budget-friendly Food Tips:** Qifengdu Fish Noodles (10 RMB), Roast Chicken Gong (40 RMB per person), Dongjiang Lake Grilled Fish (fresh and affordable) --- 2. Quanzhou, Fujian · A Maritime Silk Road Gem Half City of Fireworks, Half City of Immortality **Why underrated but worth it?** The "World Religious Museum" showcases multicultural fusion, with ancient flavors hidden in alleys, and very low average spending! **💡 Budget Travel Highlights for 3 Days** * **Day 1:** Explore **West Street** and the East and West Pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple > Stroll along the arcade old street of **Zhongshan Road** > Feel the Islamic heritage at **Qingjing Mosque** (ticket 3 RMB) * **Day 2:** Transform into a flower-adorned lady in **Xunpu Village** (hairdo + costume 40 RMB) > Reflect on the ancient Song Dynasty bridge at **Luoyang Bridge** (free) * **Day 3:** Visit **Qingyuan Mountain** and Laojun Rock (ticket 70 RMB, free before 6 AM) > Deepen history knowledge at the **Min-Taiyuan Museum** (free) **🍜 Budget-friendly Food Tips:** Mianxian Hu (from 5 RMB), Tusu Dong (10 RMB), Beef Soup (15 RMB), Four Fruit Soup (6 RMB) --- 3. Libo, Guizhou · The Green Gem on Earth’s Belt **Why underrated but worth it?** Libo in July is a natural 25°C air-conditioned room! The water of Xiaoqikong is world-renowned, and surrounding costs are budget-friendly. **💡 Budget Travel Highlights for 3 Days** * **Day 1:** Walk the essence trail of **Xiaoqikong** (ticket 120 RMB): Wolong Pool Blue > Boat on Mandarin Duck Lake (30 RMB) > Laya Waterfall > Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge * **Day 2:** Explore the **Maolan Primitive Forest** (ticket 50 RMB): traverse the funnel forest > visit Qinglong Pool > visit the original Buyi ethnic village * **Day 3:** Experience Yao ethnic culture at **Yaoshan Ancient Village** (ticket 80 RMB) > stroll along Zhangjiang River to enjoy the coolness **🍜 Budget-friendly Food Tips:** Tofu Pudding Grilled Fish (50 RMB per person), Sour Soup Beef Noodles (12 RMB), Yangmei Juice (5 RMB) --- 4. Kaifeng, Henan · The Bustling Fireworks of the Dream of Dongjing **Why underrated but worth it?** Experience the Northern Song Dynasty capital! Immersive theme park and authentic night market snacks with unbeatable cost performance. **💡 Budget Travel Highlights for 3 Days** * **Day 1:** Full-day time travel at **Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden** (ticket 120 RMB, must-see live performance) > Artistic stroll at **Qishengjiao** * **Day 2:** **Kaifeng Prefecture** Bao Gong stories (ticket 65 RMB) > **Daxiangguo Temple** millennium-old temple (ticket 40 RMB) > **Drum Tower Night Market** for food and fun (30 RMB per person to eat to fullness) * **Day 3:** **China Han Garden** calligraphy stele forest (ticket 40 RMB) > Climb and reminisce at **Iron Pagoda Park** (ticket 30 RMB) **🍜 Budget-friendly Food Tips:** Soup-filled buns (15 RMB), Bucket Chicken (30 RMB per jin), Stir-fried Cold Noodles (6 RMB), Almond Tea (5 RMB) --- July Travel Tips: 1. **Save on transportation:** Choose overnight trains with hard sleeper/hard seat; use city buses + shared bikes/electric scooters. 2. **Cost-effective accommodation:** Chain hostels beds (40-60 RMB/night), budget hotels (100-150 RMB/night), book in advance! 3. **Ticket discounts:** Remember to bring student ID/teacher certification! Some attractions offer early/late discounts. 4. **Heat prevention essentials:** Sunscreen, hats, small fans, Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid on hand, avoid midday sun as much as possible. 5. **Flexible planning:** Watch the weather; summer afternoons often have thunderstorms, prepare rain gear. --- **Underrated ≠ boring, low spending ≠ settling.** This July, unlock truly unique and cost-effective travel experiences with reverse thinking. Wake up in the morning mist of Chenzhou, find peace in ancient temples of Quanzhou, immerse in the blue waves of Libo, and enjoy the night market in Kaifeng—the surprises of niche cities are far more exciting than you imagine! > The true luxury of travel is not in spending money extravagantly > but in encountering a landscape and life that belong only to you > beyond the crowds.