Haohe Museum

Nantong's Haohe Scenic Area is incredibly chill! Located in the heart of Nantong, Jiangsu Province, this National 5A-rated attraction is one of China's most pristine and unique ancient moats, steeped in history.🪴 🌸 Highlights: The "Emerald Necklace" Stretching nearly 10km, the river encircles the old town like a jade gourd. It's a photographer's dream📸—perfect for social media! A stroll here is truly therapeutic. 🆓 Free Access Most areas are open for free! Visit anytime without the pressure—you can wander leisurely along the banks or hop on a boat for a scenic cruise. Both ways have their own unique vibe. 🏯 Rich Cultural Heritage Beyond the natural beauty, there are plenty of cultural landmarks to explore! Check out the Nantong Museum🎟️—China's first public museum—along with the centuries-old Tianning Temple, Wenfeng Pagoda, and the former residence of Zhang Jian. It's the perfect spot for culture enthusiasts to learn and take aesthetic photos. 🗺️ Pro Tip: Located right in the city center, Haohe is surrounded by things to do. After your walk, you can easily find a nearby spot for a relaxing afternoon tea☕. Summary: With free entry, gorgeous scenery, and deep history, Haohe Scenic Area ticks all the boxes. If you're in Nantong, you absolutely have to stop by! Nantong Haohe Scenic Area Nantong Haohe Scenic Area is a National 5A-level tourist attraction in the center of Nantong, Jiangsu. It stands as one of the best-preserved and unique ancient moats in China. Key Features: Emerald Necklace: A 10km gourd-shaped loop around the old city with stunning scenery. Free Entry: Most areas are open to the public for free, offering paths for walking and cruises for sightseeing. Cultural Landmarks: Home to historic sites like the Nantong Museum, Tianning Temple, Wenfeng Pagoda, and the former residence of Zhang Jian.

Hey everyone! Looking for a summer family trip? Skip the crowded tourist hotspots! 🙅‍♀️ Nantong, this hidden gem where the river meets the sea, is a dream destination for families! 🎉 It's uncrowded, beautiful, and affordable. Best of all, the kids have a blast, and parents don't get worn out! I've personally scouted it out with my kids and put together this "Ultimate Nantong Family Travel Guide." Save this post and follow the plan next time! 👇 🎯 Why recommend Nantong? Uncrowded: No nightmare lines like at Disney, and no "packed like sardines" experience at popular spots. Affordable: A seafood feast costs less than CNY 100 per person, and you can find comfortable accommodation for CNY 200+. Educational and fun: Museums, science centers, and natural wetlands—kids learn while they play. Convenient transport: High-speed rail access, city attractions are centralized, and taxi rides are usually under 20 minutes. 🗺️ 2-Day Essential Itinerary Day 1: Nature and Science Exploration Morning: Nantong Forest Wildlife Park 🦒 One of the largest wildlife parks in East China! You can drive through the park; animals wander right outside your car window, and the kids will be thrilled! Must-see: Giant Panda Pavilion, Giraffe Feeding Area (CNY 20 per serving of leaves, keeps kids busy for half an hour). 💡Tips: Go in the morning when animals are more active; bring your own carrot sticks to sneakily feed the deer. Lunch: Restaurant inside the park 🍜 The kids' meals at the Panda Restaurant are adorable and a huge hit with children. Afternoon: Nantong Science and Technology Museum 🚀 Free! Free! Free! Important things must be said three times! 4D cinema, robot interactions, space exploration zone—the kids won't want to leave. 💡Tips: Book in advance via their official WeChat account; it gets crowded on weekends. Evening: Haohe River Night Cruise 🚢 Take a boat to see the Nantong night view. The lights on both banks are dazzling, and the kids will love counting stars from the boat. Ticket: Adults CNY 60. Free for children under 1.2 meters. Day 2: Nature and Hands-on Experiences Morning: Nantong Intercontinental Green Expo Park 🌿 Tropical plant pavilion, desert plant area, children's sand pit—great for photos! Must-play: Dinosaur Park (animatronic dinosaurs move and roar; kids are both scared and fascinated). 💡Tips: Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent. The park is huge, so renting an electric cart is recommended. Lunch: Farmhouse restaurant near the Green Expo Park 🥟 Recommended: Clam pancakes, braised lamb—the kids won't stop eating. Afternoon: Blue Calico Museum 🎨 Let the kids try making blue calico fabric themselves, from tie-dyeing to drying—a great sense of accomplishment. Cost: CNY 80/person for the workshop, and you can take your creations home. 💡Tips: Call to book in advance; workshops fill up easily on weekends. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations Top choice for families: InterContinental Nantong (has a kids' club and indoor pool, kids can play all day). Best value: All Seasons Hotel (Haohe Branch) (clean, convenient location, kids' meals available at breakfast). 🚗 Transportation Guide High-speed rail: Shanghai → Nantong approx. 1.5 hours, Nanjing → Nantong approx. 2 hours. In the city: Use Didi for taxis (starting fare CNY 10); use Alipay transit code for buses. Nantong is truly an underrated treasure for family travel! 😭 My kids are still talking about "going back to feed the giraffes" half a month later! Everyone, plan your trip now before it gets too popular! Tell me in the comments which attraction you most want to take your kids to! 👇

It's not that you can't go to Jiangnan, but Haoriver offers better value for money! 💯 🌌 As a 5A scenic spot in a lesser-known tourist city, Haoriver's night is simply stunningly beautiful! 👉 Recommended visiting time: 6 PM - 9 PM (best time to enjoy the lights) 📸 Must-do experiences: · Stroll along the river to see the light reflections · Take a boat ride for a 360° night view · Snap photos in the ancient town alleys—every shot is a masterpiece ✨ Tips: 1. Few people after dark 2. Affordable prices 3. Perfect for taking photos in Hanfu Who says only Jiangnan has poetic night scenes? Quickly save this niche check-in guide! 😉

Nantong’s new luxury landmark✨ Stay in a French-style Jiangsu and coastal art palace Who would have thought! I struck gold in Nantong😭. The Le Méridien Nantong under Marriott perfectly fuses French romance with Jiangsu coastal art in its very essence. The moment I stepped into the lobby, my pupils dilated in awe🤯. The top-tier design by the HBA team truly lives up to its reputation. The minimalist blue-gray tones paired with a giant ocean wave art installation make the shifting light and shadows feel like walking into an immersive art gallery🎨. Every step feels like stepping on the heartbeat of sophistication💫! 🏨 Public Areas | Art at every corner, aesthetics everywhere From the moment you enter, you’re enveloped in an artistic atmosphere✨. The vintage French-style wall lamps in the corridor are super stylish, inspired by elegant wide-brimmed hats👒. Even the elevator lobby transforms into a mini art exhibition🖼️. Any corner is perfect for snapping Instagram-worthy shots📸. Detail lovers will be thrilled to the point of stomping their feet💥! 🛏️ Guest Rooms | Cloud-level river views + top-notch comfort, lying down is healing Rooms start at a spacious 45 square meters, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows framing the cityscape of Nantong and the canal scenery🖼️. Watch the sunrise paint the river red in the morning🌅, and at night, gaze down on the dazzling city lights🌃. The view is so stunning it leaves you speechless! The Simmons bed is soft and fluffy☁️, instantly melting away all fatigue. The rooms feature both a standalone soaking tub and a rainforest shower🛁. Soak in a hot bath to wash away travel weariness. The toiletries are from the trendy New York brand Malin+Goetz🥥, adding a touch of understated luxury! 🍽️ Dining | Luxurious flavors, a full day of happiness guaranteed Foodie friends, just dive right in😋! The illy coffee at Latitude 32 Café is rich and aromatic☕, handcrafted by a coffee master to heal every cup. Le Mei Chinese Restaurant serves Huaiyang cuisine that’s so fresh it’ll blow your mind🦞, with creative fusion dishes. Café 66’s international buffet dinner is so abundant you’ll have trouble choosing🍤. Every bite is a delightful surprise, your taste buds will be spoiled💖! 🏊 Facilities | Heated pool + gym, full vacation vibes The indoor heated pool on the 28th floor is stunningly beautiful💙, with a comfortable temperature for year-round swimming. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can catch a glimpse of the Ferris wheel silhouette🎡. After swimming, relax in the smart massage pool💆‍♀️—so cozy you won’t want to leave! The 24-hour gym is equipped with high-end Technogym equipment🏋️, with wide-open views by the window so you can enjoy the scenery while working out. It’s energizing and super motivating🔥! There’s also a 200-square-meter kids’ playground🎠 with a Lego wall and climbing frame, perfect for parents to free their hands👨‍👩‍👧‍👦! 📍 Location | Central city spot, super convenient travel The location is a total win🚗, right in the heart of Nantong. It’s within 20 minutes by car to the airport and high-speed rail station✈️🚄. Right across is Wanda Plaza, and a 5-minute walk to the CBD shopping district🛍️. Close to Sam’s Club and MixC Mall, you can handle all your dining, shopping, and entertainment needs in one place. For nighttime fun, head to Hao River for the light show✨. Travel convenience maxed out💯! 💖 Service | Attention to detail, treated with warmth From the moment you get off the car, the concierge kindly helps with your luggage🧳. The front desk ladies greet you with sweet smiles and thoughtfully prepare children’s slippers and amenities👶. The turndown service is a delightful surprise, with a handwritten goodnight card and exquisite snacks🍪 placed by the bedside. A subtle orange blossom fragrance fills the hotel🌼. Every detail makes you feel deeply warm and welcomed, with a strong sense of belonging🥰! Join the conversation in the comments~

Standing at the boat dock of Nantong Haohe Scenic Area, I waited for the "Haohe Night Painting" painted boat. In the dusk, Haohe looks like a gentle jade belt, winding around Nantong's old town, reflecting the lights and ancient buildings on both banks. This ancient moat, built in 958 AD, has a history of over a thousand years and is one of the four remaining ancient moats in China, known as the "Jade Necklace of the River City." 🌙 🚢 Painted Boat Night Tour: Reading a City Amid Oar Sounds and Lantern Lights At 6:50 PM, the painted boat departed on time. The boat moved slowly forward, and the lights on both banks gradually lit up. Haohe was revitalized by technology—under Peace Bridge, colorful halos shimmered on the water surface, accompanied by soft music, while mist and lasers created a romantic light tunnel; passing by the southern city villa, a 40,000-lumen 3D architectural mapping show was playing on the century-old wall, vividly depicting the story of brothers Zhang Jian and Zhang Qia’s industrial revitalization, achieving a visual marvel of "paintings moving on the wall, shadows flowing in the water." The most stunning was the fan-shaped water screen in front of the Shen Embroidery Museum. The Shen Embroidery piece "Portrait of Actress Beike" was vividly presented through changing images, with ink embroidery shadows flowing between the night water screen. A "light dragon," controlled by an unmanned intelligent navigation system, roamed the water surface, its LED lights displaying golden yellow, purple red, cyan green, and other hues. This is the immersive live performance "Haohe Night Painting," officially operating from New Year's Day 2026, built around eight narrative chapters and twenty viewing scenes, creating a "navigable city light and shadow script." 🌿 Riverside Stroll: A Poetic Habitat Integrating City and Water During the day, Haohe shows a different charm. I strolled along the newly connected walkway, passing the Workers' Cultural Palace, Shen Shou Art Museum, Nantong Museum, City God Temple, Hao West Academy... natural scenery and cultural sites complement each other. The riverside path is flat and wide, shaded by trees, connecting dozens of attractions, and is stroller-friendly. Hao East Green Garden is known as the "city's green lung," with 70 ancient trees including five 500-year-old ginkgo trees. Standing on the waterside platform under Wenfeng Tower, I saw the clear mirror-like water of Haohe, with egrets occasionally skimming the surface. Across the river is the Nantong Museum, China’s first public museum founded by Mr. Zhang Jian. "Water embraces the city, the city embraces the water, city and water as one"—truly a fitting description. 🍜 Taste of Haohe: Old Nantong Flavors in Temple Streets and Alleys After playing, don’t miss the authentic local snacks around Haohe. Zhang’s Stinky Tofu (5 RMB) in the temple alleys has a unique flavor, Xiao Shi’s baked flatbread (5 RMB) is crispy and delicious, and the fresh meat mooncakes and green rice balls from Siyi Pastry Shop are favorites among Nantong locals. For a full meal, try the crab roe soup dumplings and osmanthus cake at Siyi Pastry Shop. 📌 Practical Information · Tested and Reliable 📍Address: No. 19 Haoxi Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province 🚇 Transportation: From downtown, take bus 41, 45, or 55 to "Haoxi Academy" stop, or take bus 7, the Haohe tourism loop line; for self-driving, navigate to "Haohe Scenic Area Parking Lot," with a reference price of 8 RMB/hour. 🕒 Opening Hours: The scenic area is open all day; visitor center services from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM; boat tours run on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (9:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 6:45 PM), no tours on Mondays and New Year's Eve. 🎫 Tickets: Scenic area is free; "Haohe Night Painting" boat tour costs about 60 RMB per person, advance booking via the "Charming Haohe" WeChat public account is recommended. ⏳ Duration: About 2-3 hours for daytime riverside walk plus museum visit, about 45 minutes for night tour; half a day to a full day is recommended for a leisurely visit. When the painted boat slowly docked, it was already past 8 PM. Looking back at Haohe in the dusk, the light dragon was still roaming the water, the Shen Embroidery water screen still flowing, with the sounds of oars, water, and faint Pingtan tunes in the distance. This thousand-year-old ancient moat, with its light and shadow and misty waves, tells me: the beauty of Nantong is not far away, it is right here in the oar sounds and lantern lights of Haohe. ✨

✨As the most iconic landscape in Nantong, Haohe River is truly a beautiful city silhouette! Haohe River is located within Nantong city and shaped like a gourd~ It’s very convenient to get there by bus. The Haohe River scenic area is completely free and seamlessly integrated with the city. Along the riverbanks, there are numerous Republic of China-era buildings and exhibition halls, rich in cultural and historical heritage. At the same time, modern buildings like the TV tower complement the scenery. It’s very pleasant to stroll around Haohe River on a sunny day. 🚌 Transportation Tips: You can take bus routes 11, 21, 33, and several others directly to the area. The transportation is incredibly convenient~ ⚠️ Key Point: The entire Haohe River scenic area is free to enter! It’s fully integrated with the city, so you might suddenly come across stunning river views while walking around! 🏛️ Cultural and Scenic Guide: · Century-old Republic of China buildings line the banks, instantly transporting you back to that era · Various cultural exhibition halls scattered throughout, offering cultural enrichment wherever you walk · The modern landmark TV tower perfectly blends with the water town scenery 🌿 Address: No. 508 Haobei Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong City ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all year round, anytime is perfect for a stroll~

Celebrate Qingming Festival by exploring the spring charm along Hao River, and experience tranquility at Meixu M Hotel. Raindrops on Qingming bring freshness to all things. Stroll along the banks of Hao River, admire the spring willows brushing the water, and listen to the harmonious sounds of nature. Meixu M Hotel, a cozy retreat nestled in the heart of Nantong City. Located near Hao River Scenic Area, it offers a peaceful escape amidst the bustling city, ensuring convenient travel. With minimalist and warm spaces, and soft, skin-friendly bedding, it promises the most restful night during your journey. This Qingming Festival, spend quality time with family and friends. Enjoy the picturesque views of Hao River and stay at Meixu M Hotel. Let the beauty of spring be the highlight of your trip.

【Introduction】: In Nantong. Spend a little and stay at Mosen Garden, a great deal. When traveling or on a business trip to Nantong, be sure to stay one night at Mosen Garden to enjoy the sunset and sunrise over Haorhe up close. Unexpectedly, you can stay at Mosen Garden Hotel for just over 100 RMB per person. 🏨【Homestay Address】: No. 180 Renmin Middle Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province 🌆【Decoration Style】: Modern and comfortable decoration, mainly serving business travelers and tourists. 🛏【Room Types/Layout】: Complete variety of room types including scenic balcony rooms, bathtub rooms, executive rooms, audio-visual rooms, and e-sports rooms. Catering to different types of guests for business trips and leisure travel. 🚌【Transportation Guide】: · Metro: 2-minute walk to the metro station, convenient for surrounding travel and sightseeing. · Self-driving: 15 minutes from the highway exit, enjoy the beautiful and pleasant scenery of Haorhe during the trip. During holidays, you can enjoy lively and rich activities. · Scenic Area Shuttle: 5-minute walk to Nantong Haorhe Scenic Area, free to visit and enjoy the Haorhe scenery. Nearby metro and taxis cover major attractions. 🏨【Check-in Method】: Book online in advance, contact the front desk via WeChat. Rooms can be arranged better according to your needs. ⛺【Activities】: Independent sky garden provides you with a leisurely afternoon. 🍩【Restaurant Features】: Breakfast in the restaurant is served buffet style. 🏬【Nearby Attractions】: 1. Free access to Nantong Haorhe Scenic Area: 5-minute walk. Night tours of Haorhe are even better on clear days. 2. Nantong Wildlife Park: A zoo combining vehicle viewing and walking tours, allowing close feeding of animals. 3. Nantong Langshan Scenic Area: The top of the eight small famous Buddhist mountains in China, said to be good for studies and relationships. Langshan has a low overall elevation, suitable for those who prefer easy travel. Also nearby are Nantong Underwater World, Nantong Museum, Binjiang Park, and Blue Calico Museum, among other attractions. Nearby metro and taxis cover major spots. 💴【Average Cost】: 90-200 RMB 🧡【Tips】: · Public Facilities: Free laundry room, conference room (capacity 50 people), the lobby design is very stylish, every photo looks like a masterpiece. · Thoughtful Details: Rooms are clean and spacious, bedding is soft and skin-friendly. Zero-pressure mattresses and excellent sound insulation. 24-hour enthusiastic front desk service. In the cold winter, the ginger tea in the lobby warms every guest. Attentive service brings every guest a home-like feeling.

🎈 Introduction: The Haohan River Scenic Area is a shining pearl in Nantong City, rated as a National 5A Tourist Attraction. It combines natural beauty with rich cultural history. The Haohan River was originally an ancient moat, and now it surrounds the old town of Nantong like a jade necklace, witnessing the city's changes over a thousand years. 🎈 Fees: Scenic area visit: Free admission. Boat tour: Daytime and nighttime tickets are priced at 25-30 yuan/person and 11 yuan/person respectively. Charter boat prices vary between peak and off-season. 🎈 Opening hours: Open all year round: Tourists can visit the Haohan River Scenic Area at any time. Visitor center service hours: 08:30-22:00. Boat tour service hours: Available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, with specific times of 09:30, 14:30 and 18:45. 🎈 Attractions: Haohan River scenery: Stroll along the river and admire the ancient buildings and natural landscapes on both sides. Historical buildings: The surrounding historical buildings showcase Nantong's cultural heritage, such as the Nantong Museum and the Clock Tower. 🎈 Transportation: Scenic area address: No. 19, Haoxi Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province. Self-driving: Parking lot available, reference price is 8 yuan/hour. Public transportation: Accessible by multiple bus routes, such as No. 8, No. 15 and No. 26. 🎈 Snacks: As a famous tourist attraction, the Haohan River Scenic Area has a variety of restaurants and snack stalls inside and outside, offering authentic Nantong cuisine, such as Nantong jumping noodles, fire dumplings, and Zhang Si plum cake. 🎈 Visiting suggestions: Plan ahead: Plan your itinerary based on your interests and time. Boat tour experience: Experience the Haohan River boat tour service and enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. Cultural experience: Learn more about the history and culture of the Haohan River and its surrounding area. Ecological exploration: Experience the ecological tourism charm of the natural scenic area. 🎈 Conclusion: The Haohan River Scenic Area, with its unique historical value and beautiful natural scenery, is an ideal place for tourists to experience Nantong's history and culture and enjoy the peaceful nature. Whether strolling along the riverbank or taking a boat tour to admire the scenery on both sides, the Haohan River will provide you with an unforgettable travel experience.

Is Nantong really a tourist desert? This was my first time in Nantong, and I had never been to any scenic spots before, so when I first arrived in Chongchuan District, everything was new to me. We walked along the outer ring of Haohe River, heading north, passing Nantong University and Yixiao Lane, and visited several large shopping malls along the way until we reached MixC. Four hours is a long time, but we were still excited.

Here’s some advice for budget travelers: avoid the popular cities from August to October. There are hidden gems reachable within two hours by high-speed train or by hard-seat train, with fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and affordable prices. You can have a great time even on a 3k monthly salary. These 8 places offer the best value during their peak seasons. Mountains, seas, and ancient towns—you can have a full experience without spending much. 01 Anqing | Anhui Don’t just focus on Huangshan. Tianzhu Mountain in Anqing is the real hidden gem. 🚄 Take the bus line from Anqing station after you exit. It costs less than 20 yuan, enough to cover two meals. ⏰ I recommend heading up the mountain around 3 PM. The slanting light hits the South Heaven Gate, making the granite glow with a warm golden hue, much more layered than at noon. At the foot of the mountain, a farmhouse serves homemade chicken soup for 40 yuan, enough for two people to get full. ⚠️ Don’t buy hiking sticks at the entrance. Pick up a dry branch near the ticket gate for free—it works just as well. 02 Hengyang | Hunan Mount Heng and the South Yue Temple must be visited on the same day. I entered the temple at 7 AM when the morning mist hadn’t cleared, and the red walls and black tiles looked like they were veiled. ⏰ Visit the temple first and leave before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Then take the shuttle to the mid-mountain pavilion and hike to the summit of Mount Zhuru. 🍜 The cold noodles stall on the mountain sells a bowl for just 5 yuan. The sour and spicy flavor hits your head instantly and tastes a hundred times more authentic than the chain stores below. ⚠️ Don’t talk to the fortune-telling stall next to the temple. They charge as soon as they start talking. 03 Guangzhou | Guangdong The way locals in Guangzhou explore is a completely different world from tourists. 📍 Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a must-see first stop. The wood-carved door gods made my neck sore from looking up. Tickets cost only 10 yuan. Then take the subway to Canton Tower. Don’t pay to go up—walk to the opposite side of the Pearl River to take the panoramic shot. The angle matches the postcards exactly. 🍜 In the evening, turn into Baohua Road. Shunji Ice Room’s coconut ice cream still has the original flavor. It costs 13 yuan and keeps you refreshed all afternoon. ⚠️ I advise against visiting Chimelong Resort. Tickets are expensive and lines are long. Better save the money for three clay pot rice meals. 04 Nantong | Jiangsu Nantong isn’t well known, but Haorhe River is seriously underrated. 📍 Start at South Park and walk west along the riverside stone path, cross the bridge to Huanxi Cultural Square. ⏰ At 6:30 PM, when the lights come on, the water reflects the old buildings like a filter. 🍜 The riverside stall sells meat-filled sesame flatbreads for 6 yuan each. Freshly baked, they’re crispy enough to crumble. 🚄 It’s a 15-minute taxi ride from Nantong station to Haorhe. Staying near Renmin Road costs just over 100 yuan per night, offering incredible value. 05 Haibei | Qinghai If you want to visit northwest China but worry about costs, Haibei is a perfect budget alternative. 📍 Qilian Mountains and Heihe Grand Canyon are close by. Renting a car for a day costs 300 yuan. Sharing with three others brings it down to 75 yuan per person. ⏰ Enter Lenglongling at 6 AM. The morning mist still lingers over the meadows. Tibetan herders are driving yaks out, and the snow-capped Amindongso Peak looks like it’s floating in midair. 🍜 Butter tea from a roadside tent costs 5 yuan a cup. It warms you up completely. ⚠️ Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. The high-altitude sun can cause peeling after just 10 minutes. 06 Liuzhou | Guangxi Liuzhou isn’t just about snail noodles. The Liu River is the soul of the city. 🚄 Exit Liuzhou station and ride a shared electric bike to the river. It takes about 10 minutes. ⏰ Rent a local boat at 4 PM for 10 yuan per person. Drift along the river for half an hour as karst peaks slide past. Then bike to Yangbazhai to see the wind-and-rain bridge and Dong wooden houses. Tickets cost only 50 yuan. 🍜 Try the sour fish in the village for 10 yuan a bowl. The sour and spicy flavor is completely different from what you usually eat. 07 Kashgar | Xinjiang Kashgar Old Town is the largest living maze in the world. Every alley you turn into holds unexpected surprises. 📍 Enter from Han Bazaar. Turn right at the first intersection on your left to find a local naan bakery. Freshly baked naan costs 3 yuan each. 📍 Then take a half-day trip toward the Pamir Plateau. Tickets to the Stone City ruins cost 30 yuan. Watching the sunset over Muztagh Ata Peak from there is worth the ear-piercing wind. 🚄 Kashgar city is small. Taxi rides rarely cost more than 10 yuan. ⚠️ You can try roasted pigeon from street vendors, but don’t pay more than 15 yuan. Overcharging is common. 08 Baoting | Hainan Skip the crowds in Sanya. Betel Nut Valley in Baoting is the most authentic place to experience Li and Miao cultures. 📍 Watch Li grandmothers weaving brocade in Betel Nut Valley. Their handmade patterns are unique. 🚄 There’s a shuttle from Baoting to Sanya for 20 yuan. The money saved is enough for a night at a guesthouse. If you have time, spend half a day at Yanoda Rainforest. Tickets are pricier, but you can cool off in the streams and get great photos. ⏰ Visit Yanoda at 8 AM and Betel Nut Valley at 2 PM to avoid peak crowds and double your experience. Among these 8 places, I picked two as top choices for September: the peaceful mountains of Anqing and the free-flowing river in Liuzhou. Both offer amazing experiences on a budget. Tell me in the comments which one caught your eye. I’ll share detailed itineraries next time to help you avoid pitfalls.

The two things I fear most when traveling during National Day: an empty wallet and crushing crowds. I looked back at my travel expenses from the past two years and picked 8 places that won't break the bank but still offer a great experience. No sugarcoating, just honest feedback—you can just copy my itinerary. 1️⃣ Nantong | Jiangsu Nantong is so overlooked during National Day, which is exactly why it's a hidden gem. The Hao River is free, and walking around the old town is more scenic than many paid ancient towns. ⏰ It's most comfortable by the Hao River at 5:30 PM, when the light hits at an angle and the water sparkles like scattered gold. 📍 Start walking from the Haoxi Shuyuan section. It's less crowded, has plenty of bridges, and every photo looks like a painting. 🍜 Don't eat at the hotel in the morning. Go near Duanping Bridge for a bowl of Gangpan with tofu pudding—you'll be stuffed for just over CNY 10. The Nantong Museum is also free, and the old building inside is more interesting than the exhibits. ⚠️ The lines for the Hao River night cruise are insane; during National Day, even arriving an hour early might not be enough. If you want to save money, just walk—it takes two hours to do a loop. Your feet will be tired, but it's worth it. It's great for a slow stroll with parents—the paths are flat, there are plenty of benches, and you can sit down whenever you're tired. Hotel prices in Nantong during National Day are much more reasonable than in southern Jiangsu; you can find a decent place for around CNY 200.