December Reverse Travel, Budget Trips · 4 Lesser-Known Low-Cost Cities
December Reverse Budget Travel List|4 Hidden Small Cities, Low Spending for a Relaxed Winter, 500 RMB per Person for 3 Days
Avoid the popular winter destinations in December and choose a few niche, lesser-known cities. You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy peaceful scenery and a cozy warm winter. Without crowded crowds and high expenses, you can leisurely stroll old streets, savor local flavors, and unlock a comfortable trip at an affordable price, maximizing cost performance.
Must-Visit Lesser-Known Small Cities
1. Chongzuo, Guangxi
- Why go: The ultimate cost-effective winter escape, with December temperatures between 18-25°C, warm but not dry, half the tourists of Sanya and 30% lower costs.
- Karst peak forests stretch continuously, Ming Shi countryside is surrounded by clear water, bamboo raft drifting through mountains and waters, every snapshot looks like an ink painting, peaceful and healing.
- Village paths without entrance fees are scenic everywhere, climb Laozhai Mountain for a panoramic view, no commercial noise, enjoy natural tranquility alone.
- Photo tips: Capture the morning mist over the countryside for a dreamy atmosphere; shoot sunsets by the river in the evening, warm light reflecting on the peak forest makes stunning photos.
2. Qujing, Yunnan
- Why go: Dry winter with many sunny days, temperatures between 10-20°C, avoid the crowds of Dali and Lijiang, comfortable homestays available for around 100 RMB per person.
- Luoping Jiulong Waterfalls have gentle water flow in winter, waterfalls cascade in layers, the sound of water is soft and not noisy, walking on the plank road is very pleasant; Nian Lake gathers winter migratory birds, the lake surface is tranquil, perfect for bird watching and sightseeing.
- Local food is affordable and authentic, full of local flavor, stroll the old streets to experience a slow-paced life without travel fatigue.
- Photo tips: Wear light-colored clothes to shoot waterfalls, creating a fresh contrast with the blue water and green mountains; shoot migratory birds at Nian Lake in the morning when the light is soft and easy to capture lively scenes.
3. Ganzhou, Jiangxi
- Why go: A thousand-year-old Song Dynasty city with rich heritage, December temperatures between 8-18°C, no expensive entrance fees, free access to old streets, extremely low costs.
- The Song city walls and Zao’er Alley are well preserved, walking on the bluestone roads leads to authentic old vibes, Hakka walled villages hidden in the countryside offer unique folk culture experiences.
- Hakka snacks on winter streets are steaming hot, you can taste local specialties with little money, perfect for slow, relaxed eating and strolling.
- Photo tips: Visit Zao’er Alley at dusk and shoot photos with lanterns lit for an ancient atmosphere; shoot the Song city walls on cloudy days for a natural vintage filter effect.
4. Panzhihua, Sichuan
- Why go: A warm city in winter, December temperatures between 15-26°C, fruits are abundant and cheap, low spending allows fruit freedom.
- Yishala Ancient Village is a thousand-year-old Yi ethnic village, with blue tiles and white walls built against the mountain, simple folk customs, stroll the village and eat Yi cuisine to experience niche folk culture.
- Maluzhai offers wide views, winter meadows turn yellow, combined with distant mountains, every shot is a natural wild beauty, no entrance fees or crowds.
- Photo tips: Shoot Yi village buildings at noon for clear light and shadow texture; shoot sunset at Maluzhai, warm yellow meadows with evening glow are very healing.
Food Recommendations
- Chongzuo: Sour porridge hotpot, five-color glutinous rice, 30 RMB per person to eat your fill, local small shops with authentic flavors, full of local life atmosphere.
- Qujing: Steamed rice noodles, Xuanwei ham fried rice, breakfast for 10 RMB, affordable and filling, unlock local daily flavors.
- Ganzhou: Hakka stuffed tofu, Ganzhou fried noodles, street snacks 5-15 RMB per serving, fresh and flavorful, eat through the old streets without worry.
- Panzhihua: Yanbian lamb rice noodles, various tropical fruits, lamb rice noodles 15 RMB warm and comforting, fruits 10 RMB per jin for freedom.
Transportation Suggestions
- The four cities have concentrated urban attractions, mainly accessible by walking and public buses, bus fares 2-3 RMB per ride, very low travel costs.
- For intercity travel, prioritize high-speed rail; December is off-peak with affordable tickets, taxi rides within Chongzuo and Qujing city to attractions do not exceed 30 RMB.
Clothing Suggestions
- Focus on light and warm clothing, wear light or soft-colored clothes paired with a thin jacket, add or remove layers for cool mornings and evenings, photos look fresher.
- Bring lightweight sneakers for comfortable old street strolls and small mountain hikes; pack a thin hat for sun protection and as a photo prop, practical and photogenic.