1. Hot springs are everywhere across the country—there’s no shortage of places to soak, and water quality varies. You don’t necessarily have to spend time on them, especially since these spots tend to be crowded during holidays...
1. Hot springs are everywhere across the country—there’s no shortage of places to soak, and water quality varies. You don’t necessarily have to spend time on them, especially since these spots tend to be more crowded during holidays.
2. Rafting isn’t cheap, and it gets extremely crowded during Golden Week. Moreover, this activity really isn’t suitable for the elderly or young children—it’s better to skip it.
3. Temples with high admission fees. Some temples and attractions charge high prices but have unclear origins—you don’t have to visit all of them. Choose based on your preferences and budget.
4. Whether in cities or tourist areas, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses available at various price points (unless you’re visiting a particularly famous but remote spot during Golden Week). However, online searches often show that accommodations are expensive everywhere, with most standard rooms costing over 200 yuan.
Star-rated hotels are usually quite pricey, while guesthouses are less considered by travelers due to parking and safety concerns. Recently popular family apartments in residential areas offer secure parking, but they come with issues like hygiene, accountability, and occasional disputes. They can also be noisy due to thin walls and foot traffic, affecting rest.
Therefore, when visiting a new place, the guesthouses run by institutions like banks, commercial organizations, or schools are great alternatives. These places often have decent facilities and cleanliness, even if they aren’t officially rated. Most have their own compounds and security, ensuring safety. Best of all, they’re affordable, with standard rooms typically ranging from 60 to 150 yuan. No need to book in advance—just drive into a mid-sized hotel first, then explore nearby, and you’ll find many such guesthouses, especially in older districts. Since these institutions are usually located in former bustling areas, shopping is also convenient.
5. Visiting a city without trying local snacks is a missed opportunity. Head to specialty snack shops to savor authentic flavors and gain deeper insight into the local culture. Alternatively, stroll through local markets or old streets—you’ll often find affordable, delicious spots frequented by locals. As for fancy dishes, even if they’re famous, they’re not must-tries. For example, you don’t have to eat Peking duck at Quanjude just for the sake of it. Just pay attention to hygiene, as travel fatigue weakens immunity, making food safety especially important. Falling ill on the road can be troublesome.
6. Shopping malls across China are fairly similar, but free markets are unique, each reflecting the city’s distinct character. Exploring local markets offers a deeper connection to the city—an experience group tours rarely provide. Picking up some regional specialties to take home makes for great gifts for friends.
