6 Seriously Underrated Off-the-Beaten-Path Cities! The Ultimate Travel Experience
Babes!! I won’t allow anyone to still be unaware of these 6 magical little cities!! 👀 They’re obviously stunning, packed with delicious food, yet so low-key it’s heartbreaking!! Avoid the crowded popular spots and follow me to unlock these hidden gems—you’ll definitely be saying “I regret not coming sooner”!! 👇
🌿 City 1: Duyun, Guizhou — A Real-Life Wizard of Oz
Who knew!! Duyun is basically a forgotten fairy tale world🌳!! The moment you get off the high-speed train, you’re healed by endless greenery. Ancient trees shade the streets, sunlight filters through the leaves creating dappled patterns, every snap looks like a movie still📸!!
✅ Must-visit: Qinhan Film City, put on a Hanfu and stroll the ancient streets to instantly become the star of a historical drama; the glass bridge at Shanmu Lake Park, with emerald waters beneath your feet, thrilling and picture-perfect!
🍜 Must-eat: Sour soup noodles are a must!! The tangy, spicy broth with smooth rice noodles topped with a spoonful of crispy sausage is irresistibly delicious! Also try Chongchong cake, soft, sweet, and so satisfying with every bite~
🌊 City 2: Dongshan Island, Fujian — A Romantic and Offbeat Seaside Town
Help!! This sea is way too clean!! 🌊 At Nanmen Bay on Dongshan Island, the blue and white houses are arranged like Italy’s Cinque Terre~ Riding a little electric scooter around the island, the sea breeze messes up your hair but your happiness level goes through the roof!!
🌅 Stunning sunset: You must visit Yugu Sandbar!! When the tide recedes, the exposed beach looks like fish bones. Watching the sunset while holding your loved one’s hand creates an unbeatable atmosphere~
🦪 Seafood freedom: At Tongling Night Market, grilled oysters are 3 for 10 yuan, plump and juicy; plus freshly cooked baby squid, sweet and chewy, so good you’ll even lick your fingers clean!!
🏔️ City 3: Shiyan, Hubei — A Hidden Mountain Treasure
I thought Shiyan was just about Wudang Mountain (let’s not talk about that~), but it’s full of surprises!! 🚗 Visit Yunxi Fairy Tale Town, where colorful houses against blue skies make you feel like a runaway Disney princess👸; Niutou Mountain Forest Park is packed with negative ions, breathing deeply is super healing~
🍖 Food bomb: Sanhe soup is amazing!! Beef, vermicelli, and dumplings soaked in fragrant broth, topped with scallions and chili, will warm you up completely! Also try Zhuxi steamed pot, a huge bowl of tender, flavorful meat and vegetables, the portions are shockingly generous!!
🏮 City 4: Datong, Shanxi — A City of Ancient Charm Through the Ages
I was speechless at Datong’s ancient city walls!! 🛕 The blue-gray walls stretch for miles. Climb the city tower at dusk to see the sunset dye the old city gold, it feels like traveling back a thousand years~
🎪 Super fun: Datong Fantawild Adventure, roller coasters and drop towers that’ll make you scream; the intangible cultural heritage craft shops in the old city, pick up some copper trinkets as meaningful souvenirs!
🥟 Foodie feast: You must try knife-cut noodles!! The noodles are chewy and smooth, drenched in rich sauce, one bite is pure bliss; Huangmi cold cake is soft, sweet, and fragrant, dipped in osmanthus honey, absolutely divine!!
🌼 City 5: Chongzuo, Guangxi — A Secret Realm in a Landscape Painting
Help!! Chongzuo’s scenery is unreal!! 🌴 Detian Waterfall is majestic, with mist refracting rainbows in the sunlight, like stepping into a fantasy drama set; bamboo raft drifting in Mingshi Pastoral, with karst peaks mirrored in the water, so beautiful it leaves you speechless~
🍍 Specialty food: Vietnamese spring rolls are a must!! Thin rice wrappers filled with veggies and shrimp, dipped in sweet and sour sauce, refreshing and appetizing; also try freshly baked jackfruit chips, sweet and crispy, you just can’t stop!!
🌃 City 6: Dandong, Liaoning — A Romantic Town on the China-North Korea Border
Dandong is seriously underrated!! 🌉 Feel the evening breeze by the Yalu River, watching the lights of North Korea across the water, the atmosphere is unbeatable; Antong Old Street’s Republic of China-style buildings are perfect for vintage photo shoots~
🦞 Foodie paradise: You must try yellow clams!! Big and meaty, steamed and dipped in sauce for original flavor; also Korean BBQ with kimchi and cold noodles, one bite transports you straight to Seoul!!
Babes!! These 6 little cities are absolute treasures!! 💖 Few people, beautiful scenery, tons of delicious food, and best of all, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a leisurely holiday~ Add them to your travel list now, the next one to be amazed could be you!! Let’s go!