May Day Reverse Tourism: 3 Hidden Gems to Escape the Crowds

Hey friends! Does the thought of May Day give you a headache?😣? Popular attractions are packed with people, and every photo has a "sea of people" backdrop… This year, let's try something different—reverse tourism! I've put together 3 niche and photogenic hidden gems, with delicious food and fun activities, guaranteed to avoid tourist traps. Just follow this guide👇 🌿 Stop 1: "Slow Life" in a Jiangnan Water Town—Luzhi Ancient Town (Not Zhouzhuang! Fewer Crowds, Beautiful Scenery) When it comes to Jiangnan water towns, everyone's first thought is of Wuzhen or Xitang, but this time we're going to Luzhi, the "First Water Town in China"～ Here, there are no large tour groups, only the leisurely pace of time on the stone-paved streets⏳. Make sure to wake up early! The morning light sprinkles on the black tiles and white walls, turning every snapshot into a watercolor painting📸～ Walking along the river, you can see grandmas washing vegetables by the shore, and grandpas humming tunes as they row their boats, soaking in the local atmosphere! For lunch, you must try the local Aozao noodles🍜, freshly cooked red soup with fried fish and marinated duck, so delicious it'll make your eyebrows raise! After lunch, visit the Ye Shengtao Memorial Hall to experience the Jiangnan charm described by the writer～ Tip: There are many handmade shops in the ancient town. I recommend buying a stick of traditional balm with a light osmanthus fragrance, super relaxing～ 🌊 Stop 2: Seaside "Lie-Down" Plan—Dongshan Island, Fujian (100 Times More Peaceful Than Xiamen!) Want to feel the sea breeze and watch the sunrise, but don't want to be squeezed in the crowds on Gulangyu Island? Come to Dongshan Island! Here, you'll find fine sand, azure waters, and fishing villages perfect for relaxing🏖️～ I recommend staying in Tongling Town, within walking distance of Nanmen Bay. The colorful houses lined up along the coastline feel like a scene from the Cinque Terre in Italy! During the day, you can go to Yugu Sandbar to experience the tidal flats. At low tide, join the local fishermen in digging for clams and picking up crabs🦀, a truly immersive experience～ In the evening, watch the sunset at Jinluang Bay. The beach is as flat as a mirror, with the sunset reflected on the sea surface, making every photo look like a movie poster! Foodies, take note! You must try the local "Xiao Guan" (small squid), simply blanched and dipped in soy sauce, incredibly tender and fresh～ There are also local dessert shops where you can enjoy Four Fruits Soup with taro balls and adzuki beans, a refreshing treat on a hot day🥥～ 🍃 Stop 3: Mountain "Oxygen Inhalation" Trip—Moganshan, Zhejiang (Avoid the High Prices of B&Bs! Go Wild in the Village) Moganshan is famous, but the popular B&Bs are too expensive? Let's try a different approach! Visit Yucun Village at the foot of the mountain, an artistic and peaceful place～ During the day, you can hike less-traveled trails, such as the bamboo forest path in Naked Stables. The lush greenery and abundance of negative oxygen ions will rejuvenate you🌿! When you're tired, find a local restaurant by the roadside and try the bamboo forest chicken stewed with bamboo shoots, so delicious you'll want to drink every last drop of soup～ In the afternoon, visit the Yucun Cultural and Creative Park, where old factories have been transformed into cafes and craft shops. Enjoy a cup of coffee and pet a cat, pure bliss～ At night, you must go stargazing! Find an open mountaintop and witness the Milky Way twinkling with the naked eye✨. Experience the romance you can't find in the city, all here～ 📝 Tips for Reverse Tourism: 1. Check accommodation options in less-traveled areas in advance. There are still affordable choices during the May Day holiday～ 2. Choose high-speed rail + taxi as your transportation method to avoid traffic jams🚄 3. Bring sunscreen! Bring comfortable shoes! The scenery is beautiful, but remember to take care of yourself～ The meaning of travel is never about checking off popular attractions, but about discovering the small, beautiful things hidden in the corners of the world.