Reverse travel in December: 4 off-the-beaten-path cities, enjoy with just 500 RMB per person, fewer crowds and beautiful scenery

1. Huaihua Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County, Hunan Recommended reasons: Fewer people in winter, rich Dong ethnic culture, historical site of the Japanese surrender, low cost. Money-saving tips: Transportation: Train to Huaihua Station (hard seat round trip about 100 RMB), then transfer by bus/carpool to Zhijiang (20 RMB per person). Accommodation: Hostel or small inn (about 50 RMB/night, 2 nights total 100 RMB per person). Attractions: Zhijiang Surrender Memorial Archway (free, landmark of Anti-Japanese War history) Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge (free, essence of Dong architecture) Wanhe Drum Tower (free, atmospheric lighting in the evening) Food: Zhijiang Duck Noodles (15 RMB/bowl), Dong-style Oil Tea (10 RMB) Street market snacks (sour radish, rice tofu, 5 RMB/serving) Budget allocation: Transportation 120 RMB + Accommodation 100 RMB + Food 80 RMB + Others 20 RMB = 320 RMB (remaining budget can be used for short bus trips around Dong villages) 2. Zhengding Ancient City, Hebei Recommended reasons: Close to Shijiazhuang, many Tang Dynasty ancient temples, quiet in winter, affordable prices. Money-saving tips: Transportation: Train to Shijiazhuang (hard seat round trip within budget), bus to Zhengding (2 RMB, 1 hour). Accommodation: Hostel in Shijiazhuang (40 RMB/night, 2 nights total 80 RMB per person). Attractions: Longxing Temple (50 RMB, choose this if only one paid site) Rongguo Mansion (free, filming location of 1987 Dream of the Red Chamber) Ancient city wall night view (free, climb the wall to overlook ancient pagodas) Food: Zhengding Benggan (15 RMB), Shaomai (10 RMB/basket) Street kiln-baked flatbread (3 RMB each) Budget allocation: Transportation 100 RMB + Accommodation 80 RMB + Food 70 RMB + Tickets 50 RMB = 300 RMB 3. Longnan County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Recommended reasons: Secret Hakka walled villages, less rain in December perfect for strolling, strong rural atmosphere. Money-saving tips: Transportation: Train to Ganzhou (hard seat round trip about 150 RMB), then bus to Longnan (20 RMB). Accommodation: Small hotel in county town (60 RMB/night, 2 nights total 120 RMB per person). Attractions: Guanxi New Walled Village (free to visit outside, 60 RMB ticket for inside can be skipped) Hakka Rice Wine Workshop (free to experience brewing process) Countryside hiking (old walled houses scattered in fields, no ticket) Food: Hakka stuffed tofu (15 RMB), Tangpi noodles (5 RMB/serving) Homemade rice wine (10 RMB/small pot) Budget allocation: Transportation 170 RMB + Accommodation 120 RMB + Food 80 RMB = 370 RMB 4. Gangu County, Tianshui, Gansu Recommended reasons: Small town on the Loess Plateau, understated grotto culture, noodle paradise, hotel prices drop in winter. Money-saving tips: Transportation: Train to Tianshui (hard seat round trip within budget), bus to Gangu (10 RMB). Accommodation: Budget hotel in county town (70 RMB/night, shared room 35 RMB/night per person, 2 nights total 70 RMB). Attractions: Daxiangshan Grottoes (winter ticket about 30 RMB, Northern Wei Buddha statues) Jiang Wei’s Tomb (free, Three Kingdoms relic) Gupo Grassland (free, bleak winter photography spot) Food: Gangu crispy rings (5 RMB), Cuocuo noodles (10 RMB/bowl) Night market roasted potatoes (3 RMB each) Budget allocation: Transportation 120 RMB + Accommodation 70 RMB + Food 60 RMB + Tickets 30 RMB = 280 RMB