Every October, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu are packed with domestic tourists during Golden Week. But China has thousands of cities, and many of the most rewarding ones barely make it onto foreign itineraries.
If you want to travel in China during the October holiday without fighting for space at every attraction, these 10 underrated cities are the answer.
1. Shantou, Guangdong
Shantou is the heart of Chaoshan, widely regarded as one of China's greatest food regions. Think beef hot pot, oyster omelets, and countless tea houses. The old town has colonial shophouses, and the nearby island of Nan'ao offers coastal scenery. Prices are a fraction of Shenzhen or Guangzhou. See our Shantou travel guide.
2. Weihai, Shandong
Weihai is a clean, relaxed coastal city on the Shandong Peninsula. White sand beaches, fresh seafood, and a slow pace make it perfect for a Golden Week escape. The Liugong Island museum and the coastal bike path are highlights. Our Weihai 4-day guide covers the details.
3. Haikou, Hainan
While Sanya is packed and expensive, Haikou — Hainan's capital — offers warm October weather, the colorful Qilou Old Street, and fantastic tropical fruit. It is far cheaper than Sanya and has a genuine local atmosphere.
4. Nanchang, Jiangxi
Nanchang is affordable, walkable, and close to Mount Lu, one of China's most famous mountains. The Tengwang Pavilion is one of the Three Great Towers of southern China, and local food like stir-fried noodles is delicious.
5. Chaoshan Region (Chaozhou & Jieyang)
Beyond Shantou, Chaozhou has the beautiful Kaiyuan Temple and Guangji Bridge, while Jieyang's old town is almost entirely uncommercialized. This entire region is a food lover's paradise with some of the lowest tourist crowds in southern China.
6. Chongqing
Yes, Chongqing is popular — but it is also enormous, so the crowds are spread out. The Hongyadong night view, Ciqikou old town, and world-class hotpot are still worth it. October weather in Chongqing is much more comfortable than summer.
7. Harbin, Heilongjiang
By October, Harbin is starting to cool down but is not yet in deep winter. The Russian architecture, Central Street, and Songhua River waterfront are delightful. It is far less crowded during Golden Week than it is during the January Ice Festival.
8. Yangshuo, Guangxi
While Guilin gets busy, Yangshuo's karst mountain landscape is so vast that you can easily find quiet stretches along the Yulong River. Rent an e-bike, take a bamboo raft, and enjoy the scenery.
9. Xiamen, Fujian
Xiamen is a pleasant island city with Gulangyu (a car-free colonial island), coastal walks, and Minnan food. Book Gulangyu ferry tickets in advance, but the rest of the city is manageable during Golden Week.
10. Dali, Yunnan
Dali's Erhai Lake and old town are stunning, and Yunnan's mild October weather is perfect for outdoor exploring. It is less crowded than Lijiang during peak holidays.
Final Tip
The key to enjoying Golden Week in China is to avoid the top 5 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin) and head to the second tier. Book everything at least two weeks ahead, and you will have a fantastic October holiday. More city guides are on our travel section.
