Ai takes you on a tour of China: seven off-the-beaten-track travel destinations!

🌈 Relax this holiday. Are you still anxious about choosing a travel destination? Don't worry, I'll recommend seven less-known but absolutely comfortable niche cities for you, so you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a trip whenever you want! 1. Mangshi, Yunnan (Exotic charm on the China-Myanmar border)** - **Recommended reasons**: Rich Dai and Jingpo cultures, Water Splashing Festival activities continue until May 1st, fewer tourists and low prices. - **Things to do**: - Check in at the Meng Huan Big Silver Pagoda and take exotic photos when the lights come on in the evening. - Stroll through the Baisite Food City and taste local snacks such as pickled chicken feet and Dai-style hand-grabbed rice. - Visit the Tree-Embracing Pagoda and experience the blend of nature and culture. - **Transportation**: Direct flight from Kunming to Mangshi (1 hour), air tickets are always low-priced. 2. Xiapu, Fujian (China's most beautiful tidal flats)** - **Recommended reasons**: Stunning tidal flat light and shadow, B&Bs need to be booked in advance during May 1st, suitable for photography lovers. - **Things to do**: - Photograph the tiger-striped light and shadow at Xiaohao Beach and capture the sunrise and sunset at Beiqi Beach. - Watch the fishing rafts on the sea reflect the morning light in Huazhu Village. - Go out to sea with fishermen to catch fresh seafood and experience the delicious taste of freshly boiled seafood. - **Transportation**: Take the high-speed train to Ningde and transfer. Self-driving is recommended for more flexibility. 3. Ili, Xinjiang (Grassland flower sea and snow-capped mountains)** - **Recommended reasons**: May 1st is in the spring of Ili, the grasslands are lush and green, and the tourist density is far lower than that of popular destinations in northern Xinjiang. - **Things to do**: - Hike in the Kalajun Grassland and see the "three-dimensional picture scroll" dotted with wildflowers. - Visit the Kazantqi Folk Village in Yining, where the blue buildings are full of fairytale charm. - Drive the Duku Highway (if open) and experience the magnificence of the snow-capped mountains and canyons. - **Transportation**: Fly to Urumqi and transfer to Yining, or rent a car and drive yourself. 4. Songyang, Zhejiang (The last secret place in Jiangnan)** - **Recommended reasons**: Ancient villages intertwined with tea gardens and sea of clouds, suitable for slow-paced vacations. - **Things to do**: - Photograph the "Golden Potala Palace" at dusk in Yangjiatang Village. - Cycle through the Damushan Tea Garden, pick tea, and taste local high mountain tea. - Try handmade tofu balls, Qingming Kueh, and other snacks in Songyang Old Street. - **Transportation**: Take the high-speed train to Lishui and then take a taxi or drive for 1 hour. 5. Baise, Guangxi (Secret place in Karst mountains and rivers)** - **Recommended reasons**: The Tongling Grand Canyon, Goose Spring and other scenic spots have few people and quiet scenery, suitable for escaping from the world. - **Things to do**: - Hike through the Tongling Grand Canyon and see the cascading waterfalls and virgin forests. - Take a boat trip on Goose Spring and experience the reflection of the mountains and rivers like "Little Guilin". - Cycle around Haokun Lake and admire the blend of karst landforms and turquoise waters. - **Transportation**: Take the high-speed train from Nanning to Baise (1.5 hours). Chartered car tours are recommended. 6. Gannan, Gansu (Tibetan culture and natural wonders)** - **Recommended reasons**: Scenic spots such as Zagana and Labrang Monastery have fewer tourists and a strong Tibetan atmosphere. - **Things to do**: - Hike in Zagana and explore the hidden villages in the "natural stone city". - Ride horses on the Sangke Grassland and experience the life of herdsmen. - Turn prayer wheels at Labrang Monastery and feel the devout atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism. - **Transportation**: Self-drive or chartered car from Lanzhou (4-5 hours). 7. Lingao, Hainan (Wild seascape and fishing village style)** - **Recommended reasons**: Avoid the crowds of Sanya and enjoy the pristine beaches and the slow life of fishing villages. - **Things to do**: - Watch the sunrise and sunset at Lingaojiao and photograph the open seascape. - Visit the fishing village pier and taste seafood noodle soup and Lingao roast suckling pig. - Visit the Liberation Park and learn about the history of the revolution. - **Transportation**: 1.5 hours' drive from Haikou. **Travel tips** 1. **Book in advance**: Small cities have limited B&B resources, so it is recommended to book 1-2 weeks in advance. 2. **Flexible transportation**: Choose the "flight + self-drive" combination to avoid popular routes (such as Ili in Xinjiang and Mangshi in Yunnan). 3. **Travel light**: Some destinations require hiking or cycling, so it is recommended to bring light equipment. 4. **Travel off-peak**: Depart before April 29 or after May 2 to reduce crowds. These cities combine natural scenery and cultural characteristics, suitable for travelers seeking in-depth experiences.