4 Perfect Group Trip Destinations for Summer Vacation

1. Qiandongnan, Guizhou (Zhaoxing Dong Village + Zhenyuan Ancient Town) 💰 Budget Reference: 100-150 RMB/day 🌿 Highlights: - Authentic Dong Village: Zhaoxing Dong Village is quieter than Xijiang Miao Village, with free access to drum towers, wind-and-rain bridges, and terraced fields. Evening Dong folk song performances are available (some free). - Zhenyuan Ancient Town: No entrance fee. The Wuyang River flows through the town, with night views rivaling Lijiang but at lower prices. - Affordable Food: Sour fish soup, sticky rice, and rice noodles for just 10 RMB can fill you up. 🚌 Transport: High-speed rail to "Congjiang Station," with direct buses to Zhaoxing Dong Village. Zhenyuan is accessible by direct train. 2. Lanzhou + Gannan, Gansu (Labrang Monastery + Sangke Grassland) 💰 Budget Reference: 120-180 RMB/day 🏔️ Highlights: - Lanzhou Stopover: Beef noodles for 8 RMB/bowl, free tea by the Yellow River at sunset. - Gannan Tibetan Area: Labrang Monastery (40 RMB ticket) is a world-class Tibetan Buddhist institution. Horseback riding on Sangke Grassland is cheaper than Inner Mongolia, with scenery comparable to Tibet. - Summer Retreat: Average 20°C in summer, sometimes requiring a jacket at night. 🚌 Transport: Bus from Lanzhou to Xiahe (3 hours, 75 RMB). Shared or chartered cars are ideal for Gannan. 3. Pingtan Island, Fujian (Closest Island to Taiwan) 💰 Budget Reference: 150-200 RMB/day 🌊 Highlights: - Free Blue Tears: From June to August, magical bioluminescent "blue tears" may appear on beaches at night. Beigang Village and Changjiang'ao Windmill Field are prime viewing spots. - Island Cycling: Rent an e-bike for 80 RMB/day to explore stunning coastal roads. Tannan Bay Beach is free. - Cheap Seafood: 50 RMB/person for a feast. Homestays cost 100 RMB/night in low season. 🚌 Transport: Direct bus from Fuzhou High-Speed Rail Station (2 hours, 53 RMB). 4. Chengde, Hebei (Mountain Resort + Bashang Grassland) 💰 Budget Reference: 150-200 RMB/day ⛰️ Highlights: - Imperial Summer Retreat: The Mountain Resort (130 RMB ticket, worth a full day) is 10°C cooler than Beijing, with exquisite gardens and lakes. - Bashang Grassland: Horse riding costs 50-80 RMB/hour in Fengning/Weichang grasslands—cheaper than Hulunbuir, with breathtaking starry skies. - Easy Access: 1-hour high-speed rail from Beijing to Chengde. Shared rides to Bashang cost 100 RMB/person.