Reverse Travel in November: These Four Cheap and Relaxing Small Towns Will Make You Cry with Joy—I'm Starting to Go!

November sheds the heat, making it the golden season for reverse tourism! Jingxi's karst wonderland, Jianshui's millennia-old fireworks, Chaji's Hui-style autumn charm, Dongshan Island's off-season blue sea—four low-cost, laid-back small towns with fewer crowds and pure scenery, unlocking slow life romance on a budget~ Jingxi! 🌍 Transportation: 2.5 hours direct by high-speed train from Nanning, 1 hour by car from Baise; recommended to charter a car between scenic spots (300 RMB/day) or rent an electric scooter (50 RMB/day). ✨ Highlights: Goose Spring morning mist fishing boats, Quyang Lake cycling around the lake, Old Town Zhuang embroidery intangible cultural heritage, Baze golden terraced fields, Tongling Grand Canyon waterfall. 🍜 Food: Five-color glutinous rice, sour wild vegetables, Vietnamese rice rolls, earthen kiln chicken, pan-fried hemp duck. ⚠️ Tips: Register drones in advance, avoid low-price one-day tour traps, wear anti-slip shoes at water-related spots. Jianshui 🌍 Transportation: 2 hours direct by high-speed train from Kunming, walk in the ancient town + shared electric cars, bus line 19 connects core attractions (5 RMB). ✨ Highlights: Narrow-gauge small train + Shuanglong Bridge sunset, Zhu Family Garden, Jianshui Confucian Temple, Purple Pottery Street night market. 🍜 Food: Grilled tofu, grass sprout rice noodles, steam pot chicken, stir-fried dried beef with rice, rice dumplings. ⚠️ Tips: Stay at old courtyard inns near Zhu Family Garden (about 80 RMB per person), eat at local stalls, comfortable climate in November. Chaji 🌍 Transportation: High-speed train to Jingxian Station then 1 hour by bus, best explored on foot within the ancient village. ✨ Highlights: 108 ancient bridges + Ming and Qing dynasty residences, November autumn sun-drying fireworks, nearby Taohuatan, Zhangdu stilted buildings. 🍜 Food: Chaji crispy rice, Huizhou fermented tofu, steamed egg with qinyu fish, stir-fried cured meat with dried bamboo shoots. ⚠️ Tips: Ancient village homestays about 70 RMB per person, book early during peak sketching season, carry some cash. Dongshan Island 🌍 Transportation: Transfer by bus/car from Xiamen/Zhangzhou, rent electric scooters on the island (double digits RMB/day), suitable for cycling around the island. ✨ Highlights: Nanmen Bay colorful houses, Nanyu double-sided sea + lighthouse, Maluan Bay beach, Guandi Temple sunrise. 🍜 Food: November seafood, Minnan braised flavors, satay noodles, oyster omelet, best at Tongling night market. ⚠️ Tips: Off-season seaside homestays offer great value, apply sunscreen by the sea, pay attention to Nanyu tidal safety.