5 Perfect Cities for a Quiet May Day Getaway

📍 Lishui, Zhejiang 🌿 Highlights: Dubbed "the last hidden paradise of Jiangnan" by National Geographic, this area is dotted with 600-year-old villages. The sea of clouds, terraced fields, and Ming and Qing dynasty streets are like scenes from a traditional Chinese painting. ✨ Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Songyang → Visit Chenjiapu Village to see the cliff dwellings → Take photos of the tranquil streams at Songzhuang Bridge Day 2: Admire the "Golden Potala Palace" in Yangjiatang Village → Enjoy stewed salty chicken in the old streets Day 3: Cycle through the tea plantations at Damushan Mountain and pick tea → Return 🍜 Food: Xu Ji Stewed Salty Chicken, Wang Jing Champion Cakes, Yellow Rice Cakes 🏡 Accommodation: Recommended stay at "Yunshang Pingtian" homestay, nestled among the sea of clouds and bamboo forests 🚄 Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Lishui Station, then transfer to a bus to Songyang 💰 Budget: CNY 800–1,200 per person 📍 Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan 🌿 Highlights: Snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, grasslands, and Moxi Stone Park create a scene straight out of "The Lord of the Rings." Enjoy the beautiful scenery and blooming wildflowers in May, away from the crowds. ✨ Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Daofu → Take photos of the otherworldly landscape at Moxi Stone Park → Stay in a Tibetan homestay Day 2: Horse riding on Yuko Grassland → Hiking around Jiayilacuo Lake Day 3: Pray for blessings at Inkang Temple → Return 🍜 Food: Air-dried beef, yak hot pot, wild mushroom soup 🏡 Accommodation: Recommended stay at "Daofu Art Hotel" for a taste of Tibetan culture 🚗 Transportation: Self-driving or carpooling is recommended, 5 hours from Chengdu 💰 Budget: CNY 1,000–1,500 per person 📍 Ganzhou, Jiangxi 🌿 Highlights: The city boasts well-preserved Song Dynasty city walls, a rich ancient city atmosphere, fewer crowds, low prices, and stunning night views. ✨ Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Stroll along the ancient floating bridge → Climb Yugu Terrace → Explore the "Great Song Dynasty Night City" Day 2: Enjoy panoramic views from Bajing Terrace → Discover the secrets of Fushou Ditch → Take retro photos in Zaor Alley Day 3: Hike the Meiguan Ancient Road → Return 🍜 Food: Stir-fried fish, duck heart meatballs soup, Huai Shan yam with wine and chili 🏡 Accommodation: Recommended stay at "Yugu Terrace Inn," where history is just outside your window 🚄 Transportation: High-speed train directly to Ganzhou Station 💰 Budget: CNY 600–1,000 per person 📍 Liyang, Changzhou, Jiangsu 🌿 Highlights: Nanshan Bamboo Sea offers lush greenery, Tianmu Lake is perfect for cycling, and the scenic Highway 1 is ideal for a picturesque road trip. ✨ Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Take the cable car at Nanshan Bamboo Sea → Visit the Panda House → Stay in a lake-view room Day 2: Take a boat trip on Tianmu Lake → Enjoy a family experience at the Rice Dream Space Station Day 3: Visit the Liyang Museum → Return 🍜 Food: Fish head casserole, Yalai mushroom, black rice 🏡 Accommodation: Recommended stay at "Tianmu Lake Resort" to relax and enjoy the lake view 🚄 Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Liyang Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride to the scenic spots 💰 Budget: CNY 800–1,200 per person 📍 Zhanjiang, Guangdong 🌿 Highlights: This coastal city offers beautiful scenery and fewer crowds. Chikan Old Street is full of Republican-era charm, and the seafood is affordably priced. ✨ Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Explore Chikan Old Street, featured in "The Bad Kids" → Watch the sunset at Golden Sand Bay Day 2: Go beachcombing on Naozhou Island → Enjoy a seafood feast on Volcanic Island Day 3: Explore the volcanic lake at Huguangyan Scenic Area → Return 🍜 Food: Oysters, beef brisket noodles, shrimp cakes, sweet soup 🏡 Accommodation: Recommended stay at "Xiashan Sea View Apartment" with a balcony overlooking the sea 🚄 Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Zhanjiang Station, then convenient bus or taxi connections 💰 Budget: CNY 500–800 per person 🌟 Tips for Avoiding Pitfalls ✅ Travel off-peak: The fewest crowds are 1 hour before opening or 2 hours before closing ✅ Be wary of tourist traps in food streets: Avoid "free samples" and ask locals for recommendations ✅ Choose accommodation in the old town: For a more authentic experience and convenient transportation ✅ Check the weather in advance: Be mindful of temperature differences in mountainous or coastal areas